Wednesday April 7, 2021 Shaban 25, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5226 QR 2

Fajr: 4:02 am Dhuhr: 11:36 am fine Asr: 3:05 pm Maghrib: 5:54 pm High : 35°C LOW : 21 °C Isha: 7:24 pm

World 5 Business 8 Sports 12 Russia warns against sanctions Al Faleh to debut as QSE Venture Al Sadd continue unbeaten run; on Myanmar Market’s first listed firm on April 13 Al Ahli held by QSC but stay fourth

QA flies world’s first fully COVID vaccinated flight ‎COVID-19 vaccination is likely to be a must for travel: Al Baker Amir condoles Satyendra Pathak with Indonesian Doha president Continuing its efforts in leading QNA the recovery of international travel, Doha Qatar Airways (QA) on Tuesday oper- ated the world’s first fully COVID-19 His Highness the Amir vaccinated flight. Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari gets a briefing during of State of Qatar Sheikh The special flight RQ 6421, oper- her visit to Al Wakra Hospital on Tuesday. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ated by the airline’s most techno- on Tuesday sent a cable of logically advanced and sustainable condolences to President of aircraft A350-1000, carried only the Republic of Indonesia vaccinated crew and passengers 7 dedicated facilities Joko Widodo on the victims onboard. The passengers were of Cyclone Seroja that served by the fully vaccinated staff struck southeastern Indo- at check-in. for providing COVID nesia, wishing the injured a The ‘flight to nowhere’, which speedy recovery. departed from Hamad International Airport around 11.30 am, remained care: Health minister within Qatari airspace for more than Qatar Airways’ special flight QR6421 carried only vaccinated crew and three hours and returned to Doha. passengers onboard. QNA 2,100 COVID-19 patients being cared The special flight showcased Doha for in HMC hospitals, including over all the measures the airline has the first flight with a fully vaccinated 400 admitted to intensive care, and put in place to ensure the highest This special flight crew and passengers and providing Minister of Public Health HE Dr by adding Al Wakra Hospital to our standards of safety and hygiene on demonstrates that a beacon of hope for the future of Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari on Tues- COVID-19 hospital network we now board, including its latest innovation, the next stage in the international aviation. With aviation day visited Al Wakra Hospital to meet have an extra 400 hospital beds and the world’s first ‘Zero-Touch’ in-flight recovery of international travel is being a critical economic driver both senior members of Hamad Medical 150 intensive care beds available for entertainment technology. not far away. We are proud to globally and here in Qatar, we are Corporation’s Tactical Command COVID-19 patients, should the de- Qatar committed Passengers on board were continue leading the industry by thankful for the support we have Group and Al Wakra Hospital’s lead- mand require them,” explained Dr Al to rule-based also able to livestream the historic operating the first flight with a received from our government and ership team following the designation Kuwari. trade system, experience, thanks to Qatar Airways’ fully vaccinated crew and local health authorities to vaccinate of the hospital as a COVID-19 medical During the visit to Al Wakra Hos- says minister industry-leading super WiFi onboard passengers and providing a our staff, with over 1,000 vaccina- facility. pital, she discussed with HMC senior that combines the latest technology beacon of hope for the future of tions being administered per day.” The majority of services at Al leaders how the hospital will play an Qatar has affirmed its com- from Inmarsat, SITA for Aircraft and international aviation.” He said the requirement for COV- Wakra Hospital were transferred to important role in the strategy to en- mitment and support for Thales. —Akbar Al Baker, QA chief ID-19 vaccinations will likely be a other hospitals in the public healthcare sure the healthcare system is able to transparency of business Talking to media persons before trend in air travel, as the industry at- sector to enable Al Wakra to be utilised manage any future escalation in the policies and practices, and the departure of the flight, QatarA ir- tempts to rebound from the impact as a dedicated COVID-19 facility. number of COVID-19 patients need- a rule-based trade system, ways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al recovery of international travel is not of the coronavirus pandemic. “In recent weeks we have seen a ing medical treatment. out of its keenness to adopt Baker said, “This special flight dem- far away. We are proud to continue significant increase in the number of The minister inspected the inpa- this system to achieve the onstrates that the next stage in the leading the industry by operating Continued on page 2  people requiring admission to hospi- tient units and intensive care units as goals of Qatar National Vi- tal due to moderate and severe COV- they prepare to admit COVID-19 pa- sion 2030. ID-19 symptoms. The designation of tients. “Al Wakra Hospital becomes This came in the speech Al Wakra Hospital, one of the largest the seventh HMC facility dedicated of Minister of Commerce hospitals in HMC’s network, means to providing care for patients with and Industry HE Ali bin we now have seven facilities solely COVID-19. By creating a clear divide Ahmed Al Kuwari, who QP in deal with Shell to dedicated to providing medical care between our COVID-19 facilities and chaired the state delegation 26,712 vaccine doses and support for COVID-19 patients,” non-COVID-19 facilities, we can en- participating in the open- said Dr Al Kuwari. sure our COVID-19 resources are best ing session of Qatar’s enter two exploration given in a single day “We have taken a proactive ap- utilized to deliver high-quality care. third Trade Policy Review Tribune News Network proach to our capacity expansion Additionally, patients attending non- meetings at the World Doha strategy throughout the pandemic, COVID-19 facilities for regular medi- Trade Organization (WTO). blocks offshore Namibia ensuring that we always have suffi- cal services can do so safely, without He stressed that Qatar As many as 26,712 COVID-19 vaccine cient bed capacity to meet any future the risk of infection,” said HMC’s ascribed high value to the Qatar Petroleum (QP) has doses have been administered in the past increases in demand for hospital ad- Chief Medical Officer Dr Abdulla Al Trade Policy Review mecha- entered into an agreement 24 hours, taking the total doses given mission. There are now more than Ansari. nism, as it supports a direct with Shell to become a part- so far to 961, 555, the Ministry of Public and transparent approach ner in two exploration blocks Health (MoPH) has said. to clarifying members’ poli- offshore the Republic of Na- Tuesday, the MoPH reported 927 cies, options, and positions. mibia. COVID-19 cases -- 814 from community (QNA) page 8 Under the terms of the and 113 from travellers returning from agreement, which is subject abroad. ‘Health card not needed to get vaccinated’ to customary approvals, Qatar Also, 512 people recovered from the Health card is no longer required to re- appointment, please ensure that you Petroleum will hold a 45 per- virus in the past 24 hours, bringing the ceive the COVID-19 vaccine, the Ministry have a valid QID and that your Ehteraz cent participating interest in total number recoveries to 166,953. of Public Health (MoPH) has announced. status is green. It is, however, still 1,200 new firms the PEL 39 exploration license The ministry reported six deaths for “Temporarily you are no longer required recommended that you register for a registered in QFC, pertaining to Block 2913A tional Petroleum Corporation people aged 34, 49, 52, 58, 76 and 79, to provide a health card in order to re- health card as it will allow you to access and Block 2914B, while Shell of Namibia (NAMCOR) will who were receiving the necessary medi- ceive the COVID-19 vaccine,” the MoPH governmental healthcare facilities,” it says official(PG 9) (the Operator) will hold a 45 hold the remaining 10 percent cal care. said. “When attending your vaccination added. (TNN) percent interest, and the Na- interest. (TNN) page 8

Awqaf clarifies Umrah procedures Construction of 3 Azure data centres is now complete Tribune News Network migration. The ceremony saw tors in that field. with local companies, to build The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Af- Doha Charge d’Affaires of the US The partnership was an- three data centers that are in fairs (Awqaf) has announced the mechanisms Embassy in Qatar HE Greta nounced a little over a year ago line with Microsoft’s stand- and procedures for organising Umrah for Minister of Transport and Holtz taking part, along with a and stated that Microsoft will ards. citizens and residents of Qatar. Communications HE Jassim number of ranking officials at build a regional hub for Azure The construction work In a video posted on Twitter, the ministry Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti has an- government institutions. in Qatar. took into account the impor- said procedures for citizens of Qatar and the nounced the completion of In a speech, Al Sulaiti His Excellency said that tance of using clean energy Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) include regis- construction and infrastruc- said Qatar, represented by the presence of such a center and limiting carbon emis- tration via the Tawakkalna app, 3-day quaran- ‘Eatmarna’ application. ture work required for three the ministry, held a strategic in the State of Qatar will en- sions, he said, adding that the tine in a hotel, and requesting an Umrah permit The Umrah company undertakes the issu- data centres for Microsoft’s partnership with Microsoft to courage local companies to work is going on to ensure the through ‘Eatmarna’ application. ance of visas for those residing in Qatar. The Azure. establish data centres and be benefit from that investment centres are linked together As per the procedures for non-Gulf resi- presentation of a PCR examination certificate This came during a cer- a national platform for cloud and integrate it to serve the using fiber optics, and also to dents in Qatar, the basic package for Umrah confirming that he is free from coronavirus is a emony organised by the Min- services in Qatar. market, which will in turn help ensure the availability of data must be booked through an accredited external must, and it should be issued by an accredited istry of Transport and Com- He added that Qatar’s wise increase GDP and contribute at all times. The Azure-Qatar Umrah agent and a Saudi Umrah company that centre in the country in which the pilgrim re- munications (MoTC), via leadership is committed to to realising Qatar’s goal of centre will begin operations guarantees housing, transportation and others. sides. The certificate must be issued 72 hours video conference, in partner- invest in cloud computing in building a knowledge-based in the first quarter of 2022, he The agent, through the Saudi company, prior to the travel. Quarantine in one of the ship with Microsoft to cele- order to be a regional hub for society. added. books the date of Umrah and the visit through hotels for three days is a must too. (TNN) brate the one-year anniversary communications and informa- The minister said they on the achievement of cloud tion technology and for inves- succeeded, in partnership Continued on page 2  02 Wednesday, April 7, 2021

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Quick read MINISTER OF CULTURE AND SPORTS MEETS RUSSIAN COUNTERPART

Amir congratulates president of Vietnam Minister of Culture and Sports The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on HE Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali Tuesday sent a cable of congratulations to President Nguyen Xuan met with Minister of Sports of Phuc on taking the oath of office as president of Vietnam. (QNA) Russia Oleg Matytsin. During the meeting, which was held via Amir sends condolences to president of Madagascar video conference, aspects of joint The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on cooperation between the two Tuesday sent a cable of condolences to President of Mada- countries and the ways to sup- gascar Andry Nirina Rajoelina on the death of former president port them in the sports field were Didier Ratsiraka. (QNA) reviewed. (QNA) Deputy Amir sends condolences to Indonesian president The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of condolences to President of Indonesia Joko Widodo on the victims of Cyclone Seroja that struck southeast- ern Indonesia, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. (QNA) Deputy Amir congratulates president of Vietnam Health requirements The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of congratulations to President Nguyen Xuan Take precautions if fasting during in focus for food safety Phuc on taking the oath of office as president of Vietnam. (QNA) of productive families Deputy Amir sends condolences to president of Madagascar Ramadan, HMC experts advise The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Continued from page 1  Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of condolences to President of Madagascar Andry Nirina Rajoelina on the death of former presi- dent Didier Ratsiraka. (QNA) The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) con- pregnant, breastfeeding women cluded a workshop, which was held remotely, on educating productive families of the gen- PM sends condolences to Indonesian president Tribune News Network ing their baby,” said Dr Faten El Taher, putting on enough weight or are losing eral health requirements for food safety. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Doha senior consultant in Obstetrics/Gynae- weight; become very thirsty, are uri- The workshop was organised in coopera- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of condo- cology at HMC’s Women’s Wellness nating less frequently or if their urine tion with the Ministry of Administrative De- lences to President of Indonesia Joko Widodo on the victims of Experts at Hamad Medical Corpo- and Research Center. becomes dark-coloured and strong- velopment, Labour and Social Affairs on how Cyclone Seroja that struck southeastern Indonesia, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. (QNA) ration (HMC) have advised pregnant According to her, there are some smelling - this is a sign of dehydration to ensure the safety of food products, with and breastfeeding women to take nec- concerns that fasting may affect how and can make them more prone to the participation of 30 productive families. essary precautions if fasting during the well a baby grows in the uterus (womb) urinary tract infections or other com- This is within the framework of joint cooper- PM congratulates Vietnamese counterpart holy month of Ramadan. or that fasting may be linked to prema- plications; develop a headache or other ation between both ministries to enhance the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Women who have pregnancy com- ture labour. She said, “There is usually pains, or a fever; and become nauseous awareness of productive families of all health Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of con- plications such as diabetes, high blood an increase in the number of pregnant or start vomiting. requirements to ensure food safety. gratulations to Pham Minh Chinh on taking the oath of office as pressure or anaemia are generally ad- women visiting our Emergency De- Dr El Taher added that they should During the workshop, a detailed explana- prime minister of Vietnam. (QNA) vised to avoid fasting during Ramadan. partment during Ramadan due to fast- contact their doctor “straight away” if tion was provided to the participants on the Breastfeeding women are also advised ing. there is a noticeable change in their ba- importance of food safety, knowledge of mi- PM sends condolences to Madagascar PM to have a general health checkup to as- “Some studies suggest that more by’s movements, such as if the baby is crobial properties, types, growth factors, types Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin certain their fitness and ensuretheir babies are born early if their moth- not moving around or kicking as much; of pollutants, sources of food contamination, Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of condo- baby’s well-being before undertaking ers fast during Ramadan. If Ramadan they notice contraction-like pains - this food poisoning, general health requirements lences to Prime Minister of Madagascar Christian Louis Ntsay fasting, according to experts. coincides with the summer months, could be a sign of premature labour; for the food establishment, and the proper on the death of former president Didier Ratsiraka. (QNA) “Pregnant women with underlying this means hot weather and long days, and they feel dizzy, faint, weak, con- way to purchase foodstuffs and the method of health conditions should avoid fast- which puts pregnant women at greater fused or tired, even after they have had transporting and storing them. Hammadi meets Nigerien official ing in order to protect themselves and risk of dehydration due to a low fluid a good rest. The workshop also explained the stages Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE their unborn babies from any further intake. This could induce premature “If any of the instances above oc- of the food chain, common mistakes in the Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi met with Counsellor at unwanted complications. However, labour and subsequently lead to pre- cur, women should break their fast im- kitchen, the health requirements for trans- the Presidency of Niger Tafrej Baraka on Tuesday. During the pregnant women who are willing to term births.” mediately and drink water containing porting, displaying and selling ready-to-eat meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two fast during Ramadan should seek their She suggested that fasting preg- salt and sugar or an oral rehydration food, cleaning, disinfection, personal hy- countries. (QNA) doctor’s advice throughout the month nant women should contact their doc- solution. They should also contact their giene, healthy behaviour and other important to make sure that fasting is not affect- tor as soon as possible if they are not doctor immediately,” she added. matters. Focus on QNV 2030 in expansion, Sulaiti urges local firms ‘Vaccine passport is Continued from page 1  Al Sulaiti added that the tion works are finalized, recover from the challenges able to keep pace with the new ministry aspires to find Qatari but directly went ahead and of the pandemic, to reim- normal, using Microsoft cloud likely to be the trend Al Sulaiti said the ministry tech offered on the Microsoft started working with the agine the future and inno- technologies, based on special remained committed to the Azure Marketplace, and ac- government entities inter- vate in the new normal. This evaluation criteria relating to directives of the Amir HH cessed by users all over the ested in moving to the cloud wouldn’t be possible without innovation, cost optimization in aviation industry’ Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al world. and now at least 56 govern- the strong and lasting part- and crisis response. Thani, under the supervision In her remarks, Acting ment and semi-government nership with the Ministry of Winning entities in the Continued from page 1  passengers and transport es- of the Prime Minister and Min- Assistant Undersecretary entities and public sector Transport and communica- five categories are: CrisisR e- sential medical supplies, while ister of Interior, in focusing on of Government Information businesses have established tions. Our ongoing partner- sponse: Ministry of Interior, “In the short term, I think the also implementing the latest human capital and launched Technology, MoTC, Mashael their new services and are ship with the Ministry of Ministry of Education and vaccine passport will be help- innovations in biosafety and a training programme for Az- Ali Al Hammadi said, “The migrating their existing Transport and Communica- Higher Education and the ful to give confidence both to hygiene. As the vaccine rollout ure’s different technologies. fast-paced advancement in ones to the cloud.” tions reflects the extent of our health sector represented by governments and the passen- begins to gather pace world- He said the programme the field of IT and the grow- “In the one year anniver- firm commitment to advance Ministry of Public Health, gers in our industry to start wide, Qatar Airways remains saw hundreds of government ing desire for processes sary of the announcement of the country’s sustainable de- Hamad Medical Corpora- travelling again,” Baker said. committed to being the airline employees getting training at automation are prompting Azure Qatar, we recognise the velopment strategy and Qa- tion and Primary Health Care Asked if vaccinations will passengers and travel partners different levels. people to look for e-services progress and achievements tar Vision 2030,” said Lana Corporation; Industry Inno- become a necessity in order can rely on, operating one of Al Sulaiti stressed that Qa- before they think of physi- of organisations who utilised Khalaf, Country Manager of vation: Al Jazeera; Business to fly, Baker said, “I think the largest global networks tar’s ambition is sky-high to cally visiting a government Azure Qatar and the Micro- Microsoft Qatar. Continuity: Ministry of Com- this will be the trend initially to provide the connectivity realise Qatar National Vision office to do their transaction soft Global Cloud to acceler- On the sidelines of the merce and Industry and Min- as people need to have confi- needed to reunite families and 2030 and its pillars. He called manually, something which ate digital transformation, event, several entities have istry of Administrative De- dence in air travel. This will be friends and support global on local companies to focus on created a major motivation drive business continuity and been recognised and honoured velopment, Labor and Social a trend that will happen until trade.” the vision when placing their for us to adopt the cloud resiliency navigating success- for overcoming the current Affairs; Born on Cloud: Qatar such a time that people are “Qatar Airways Cargo strategies of expanding out- comes first’ principle so we fully through these unprec- challenges under the COV- Free Zones Authority; Cost certain that there is a proper has also played a vital role in side the Qatari market. did not wait until construc- edented times to respond and ID-19 situation and for being Optimization: MoTC. cure, or proper treatment for maintaining a reliable sched- this very serious pandemic we ule across our network of des- are facing today.” tinations. Since the onset of Baker, however, said that the pandemic, Qatar Airways Qatar Airways does not yet has helped transport more Roads around Abu Nakhla Petrol Station in Mebaireek open to traffic have any plans to mandate than 500,000 tonnes of medi- that all passengers be vacci- cal supplies and delivered Tribune News Network which serve the petrol station, involved providing entrances nated. Asked who should run close to 20,000,000 doses of Doha two roundabouts were con- and exits to and from the pet- the vaccination passport pro- COVID-19 vaccines to over 20 structed to facilitate and regu- rol station at a total road length cess, Baker said, “In my view, countries,” he said. The Public Works Authority late traffic access to the exist- of 1.6 kilometres and asphalt it should be led by the Interna- To show its gratitude to (Ashghal) has announced the ing schools on Rawdat Umm works over a 10-squaremetre tional Air Transport Associa- those who have played key completion of works of the roads Islama Street, located behind surface, as well as providing tion (IATA). I have full confi- roles throughout the pan- and infrastructure around Abu the station, including Al Saili- lighting systems alongside the dence that IATA will get into demic, Baker said, Qatar Nakhla Petrol Station located on ya School, Abu Nakhla School new streets, 1.6-km-long, and grips with the issues in front of Airways gave away 100,000 Salwa Road in Mebaireek. The and Fatima Zahra School. installing directional signage the industry.” complimentary return tick- roads, part of Road Improve- He also stressed the impor- and road markings. Talking about the role of ets to healthcare workers and ment Works in Al-Rayyan Area, tance of the roads delivered by As for infrastructure Qatar Airways in helping re- 21,000 to teachers across the Phase 5, are now opening for the project that serves both the works, 1.2-km-long stormwa- patriate millions of stranded world in 2020. traffic movement. station and the educational in- ter and surface water drain- passengers amid COVID-19, Expressing confidence that The main purpose of the stitutions, facilitates local ac- age networks have been im- he said, “It is in Qatar Airways’ Qatar Airways will rebound, completed works is to provide Engineer Fahad Mohamed in order to serve the users of cess to them and provides in- plemented in order to protect DNA to be at the forefront, Baker said, “We are currently safe roads and entrances for Al Otaibi, head of Western this facility, including visitors frastructure utilities and road the area from the risk of flood- setting the highest standards rebuilding our network to op- users of the petrol station and Area Section in the Roads Pro- and residents of the area and safety elements to fulfil the ing, in addition to upgrading of safety and customer ser- erate over 1,200 weekly flights regulate traffic around it, as ject Department, said Ashghal neighbourhoods like Abu Na- needs of the residents of Me- 300 metres of potable water vice. When the pandemic hit to more than 140 destinations well as facilitate access to the accelerated work progress of khla and Al Sailiya. baireek and Abu Nakhla areas network lines and protecting its peak in early April, our air- by summer. We are fully pre- existing schools in the neigh- the roads around Abu Nakhla He pointed out that in ad- as well as other nearby areas. electricity and telecommuni- line continued flying to help pared to meet any surge in de- bouring areas. Petrol Station in Mebaireek dition to constructing roads The project’s scope of works cations services’ lines. repatriate millions of stranded mand on any route.” Nation Wednesday, April 7, 2021 03 Qatar participates in two QC launches campaign meetings of Customs to support projects in managers in Arab states ‘Tamken’ programme Tribune News Network The global customs body’s efforts to incorporate Arabic language into its work were also examined Doha Qatar Charity (QC), in co- QNA operation with Etlaqq Busi- Doha ness Management and Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship Qatar participated in the and Career Development, has 53rd Regional Meeting of launched a promotional cam- Customs Managers in North paign for the excellent projects Africa, Near East and Middle under the ‘Tamken’ program, East, and the 41st Meeting of which is concerned with devel- Customs Managers in the oping capabilities in the areas Arab Countries, which were of economic empowerment held on April 4 and 5 via vid- and contributing to the field eoconferencing. of entrepreneurship in Qatar. Qatar was represented The marketing campaign by Chairman of General Au- aims to familiarise people thority of Customs (GAC) with projects, assist youth in Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Ja- launching their projects, and mal. encourage them to present The regional meeting ad- their ideas. Among these pro- Jassim Muhammad Al-Emadi, Director of Programs and Community dressed many topics, most jects are ‘Afaq,’ an electronic Development prominent of which were the platform and mobile applica- report of building capacity in tion project for art lovers and agement, confirmed that the Mona Al-Badr, the owner the participating countries organisations, and ‘Cakeaty,’ workshops provided had a of the “Afaq” project, thanked and the report of the Re- which offers cakes with a significant impact on the par- Qatar Charity and the part- gional Intelligence Liaison taste that evokes childhood ticipants. She said that they ners for providing unlimited Offices (RILO). memories. are monitoring the winning support, constructive initia- The efforts to include the Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal, Chairman of the General Authority of Customs (GAC), recently attended the Jassim Muhammad Al- projects and their work pro- tives like Tamken, workshops, Arabic language in the work 53rd Regional Meeting of Customs Managers in Arab Countries. Emadi, Director of Programs cedures. She also thanked and consultations to increase of the World Customs Or- and Community Develop- Qatar Charity and Bedaya the project owner’s awareness ganization (WCO) were also The regional meeting Managers in the Arab Coun- among Arab countries have ment, said that Qatar Char- Center for their strong coop- of the Qatari market. reviewed, as well as the rec- addressed many topics, tries discussed developments been discussed, in addition ity and its partners continue eration, adding that Etlaqq’s It is worth mentioning ommendations related to the most prominent of which in the Arab Customs Union, to reviewing the recommen- to support these projects. participation in the program that the “Tamken” program project of regional electronic presented the data and infor- dations that had been im- He added that Qatar Charity aims to assist entrepreneurs, was launched in late 2020. cargo tracking for shipments were the report of building mation to be exchanged elec- plemented in the previous provides assistance through a particularly in light of the on- It is an integrated training passing through the region. capacity in the participating tronically between member meeting as well as the rest of promotional campaign aimed going coronavirus. program provided remotely During the regional countries and the report of states, and updated transla- the topics on the meetings’ at familiarising the public The owners of the win- through Qatar Charity’s social meeting, participants dis- the Regional Intelligence tions and explanations of the agenda. with the winning projects and ning projects expressed their media accounts. cussed terms of reference Liaison Offices Harmonised System for clas- The General Authority of encouraging young people gratitude for the ongoing The programme aims to for appointing an Arabic- sifying goods. Customs participated in the to launch similar projects in support. Sarah Al-Baqer, the help people with ideas and speaking technical attache in The model of mutual regional and Arab-based pe- the field of entrepreneurship, owner of the ‘Cakeaty’ pro- small projects, as well as WCO and the developments countries, and the proposal recognition of the approved riodic meetings in order to while the partners continue ject, thanked Qatar Charity those who need training to of the Strategic Planning to establish a website for the economic operator has also enhance mutual cooperation to provide assistance for the for its ongoing support of the enter the market and peo- Steering Committee (SPSC), customs of the countries of been presented and develop- and coordination between remaining projects that re- project, noting that Qatar ple with special needs, as in addition to discussing the North Africa, Near and Mid- ments in the Arab Customs the countries of the region quire formal procedures and Charity’s promotional cam- well as those affected by the mechanisms of work to issue dle East. Cooperation Agreement and as well as the Arab countries the necessary licenses. paign for it received a posi- Covid-19 pandemic, enter the an electronic magazine on On the other hand, the the Agreement on the Regu- in all customs fields, in line Dr. Latifa al-Darwish, tive response from the Qatari market and properly market customs news of the region 41st Meeting of Customs lation of Transit Transport with the standards of WCO. CEO of Etlaqq Business Man- community. their projects. VCUarts Qatar students are all set to showcase ‘senior collections’ at Msheireb Downtown Doha Tribune News Network be exhibited in window dis- FDES said “Celebrate our and their respective indi- each display to access a vid- Doha plays near the intersection of newly formatted collective vidual collections are: Ryan eo that further explains the Wadi Musheirib Street and window installation in the Basilico – Vulnerability, Safa theme and concept behind The new senior graduat- Al Khail Street, at Msheireb. heart of Doha’s design dis- Al Hadithi – sMoL, Dana each collection. The videos ing fashion design students The Showcase will open trict. Growing up in Qatar, Ahmed – ReCollection, Sidra were created in collaboration at Virginia Commonwealth to the public from April 8. yet coming from different Sohail – Blurred Lines with Doha Film Institute. University School of the Arts The showcase has five backgrounds and cultures, The fifth window display The displays were made in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) window displays, of which each of our graduating sen- offers an exciting glimpse possible through the support will display their senior col- four feature the collections iors captures and expresses into the creativity of the of the Doha Design District TRT’s digital director Riyaad Minty spoke at the Northwestern Qatar lections at Msheireb Down- of senior students. The col- their personal experiences Class of 2022 fashion design (DDD), and in collaboration class on ‘Journalism in the Digital Age’. town Doha (MDD). lective theme for the senior as third culture kids through students set to graduate next with MDD, Doha Film Insti- Named as ‘Class of 2021 students is named ‘Third their design.” year. tute, Park Hyatt, and the de- Senior Graduation Fashion Culture Kids’. The names of the class of Visitors will also be able partment of Graphic Design Audience reigns Design Showcase’, this will Christopher Fink, Chair, 2021 fashion design students to scan a QR code adjacent to at VCUarts Qatar. supreme in digital age: Media expert More than 200 students take part in Tribune News Network fessionals and media outlets, Doha have been able to adapt their QU’s Al-Qabas Virtual Program 2021 storytelling techniques to reach The revolution in audience out to their target audiences in Tribune News Network in our Everyday Life”, students Q&A segment to answer stu- analytics has enabled journal- more personalised and engag- Doha applied problem solving skills dents’ queries. ists to produce stories that reso- ing experiences. and learned about different Al-Qabas Virtual Program nate with their audiences in a Minty, who led the develop- Qatar University’s (QU) learning strategies to enhance 2021 presenters were able to far more intimate way than any ment of AJ+’s digital content Foundation Program (FP), un- the development of their math create an engaging environ- other time in the history of the strategy, added that to target an der the Deanship of General skills. Similarly, sessions target- ment for the students as evi- profession, according to Riyaad audience segment that is “eas- Studies and in collaboration ing English skills, like “Let’s Lis- dent in the high number of Minty, TRT World’s digital di- ily distracted, likes to multitask, with the Ministry of Educa- ten”, provided opportunity for student entries, comments and rector and social media expert. and is constantly on the go,” his tion and Higher Education, students to learn about listen- answers per session. Student Speaking at a Northwestern team has adopted a new form of launched the nine-day Al-Qa- ing, reading and writing skills survey showed high satisfaction Qatar class on Journalism in visual storytelling that incorpo- bas Virtual Program 2021 for through different interactive rate among students regarding the Digital Age, Minty explained rates the use of social media vid- high school students. programmes such as Quizlet, how much they benefited from how newsrooms around the eo to tell the news in less time A total of 250 female and Kahoot and Joinmyquiz. In ad- the sessions and how Al-Qabas world are increasingly utilising and a more concise manner. male high school students par- and female students interested courses. dition, students benefited from contributed to their knowledge analytics and metrics in their Minty also noted that recent ticipated in the programme. in joining STEM and health Dr Mohammed Ben Haj two test taking strategy sessions about different skills develop- editorial decision-making to advancements in artificial intel- Under the theme ‘For a fields of study to develop their Rhouma, head of the Founda- targeting skills required to suc- ment. analyse audience insights and ligence and machine learning Successful University Experi- life and academic skills and tion Program Department of cessfully pass IELTS and math It is worth noting that the transform their storytelling and technologies are helping jour- ence’, the programme aimed to experience university learning Mathematics, explained that the standardized tests, ACT and FP at the Deanship of General news products into personal- nalists and media outlets in- educate high school students first-hand.” goal of Al-Qabas Program is to SAT. During “Succeeding in Studies at Qatar University de- ised experiences. crease audience engagement by from grades 10 and 11 about the Fawzeya Al-Malki, Aca- encourage students to apply to University Studies” session, stu- velops QU students’ English “I’ve found that journalists providing insights that increase study skills required to succeed demic and Career Counseling STEM majors, and emphasised dents learned about important language proficiency and Math in traditional media outlets like a story’s emotional pull. in their university studies and Specialist from the Education the importance of the English academic skills such as time skills to a level that will allow to produce content for them- He said, “Netflix, for exam- improve their English and math Supervision Department at language and Mathematics in management and prioritization them to succeed in the academ- selves and their peers, which is ple uses different thumbnails skills to enhance their successful the Ministry of Education and succeeding in the STEM fields. needed for a successful univer- ic programs of Qatar University. very disconnected to how the for the same content that is enrollment in STEM and health Higher Education, welcomed Al-Qabas Virtual Program sity experience. Al-Qabas programme is a com- world works and how people optimised based on your actual majors at Qatar University. the students and explained the consisted of two to three virtual Dr. Walid Massoud, head of munity outreach initiative deliv- consume media,” noted Minty, habits.” The same algorithm is Dr Hezam Al-Awa, direc- importance of Al-Qabas Pro- sessions per day, which were Qatar University Testing Cent- ered by the FP whose goal is to stressing the importance of applied by news companies and tor of the Foundation Program, gram in enhancing opportuni- delivered via Microsoft Teams er, talked about different inter- provide students with strategies making newsroom decisions websites to make content more said: “The programme provides ties for high school students to over 7 days. 16 FP faculty and national exams and placement to develop their skills in math with the reader in mind to bet- appealing and relevant to the a variety of sessions that simu- be acquainted with STEM ma- staff members participated in tests required for successful en- and English to positively impact ter serve the different segments user. late classes at Qatar University jors offered by QU. organising and delivering the rolment in STEM colleges. Ca- their university experience. It of their audiences. In his current role, Minty is to prepare high school students She also emphasised the im- programme. reer Development Center also also encourages students to join According to Minty, the leading the digital restructur- for their future studies and portance of Al-Qabas in enhanc- Al-Qabas Virtual Program presented a session focusing on the scientific, engineering and disruptive changes of the digi- ing of TRT World. He spent a enhance their success in their ing students’ skills to prepare 2021 sessions included various exploring hobbies and selecting medical majors at QU. Finally, tal era have pushed audience decade at Al Jazeera as part of university life. The Foundation them for the future needs of interactive and engaging activi- future occupations. The centre it contributes to the fulfilment knowledge into the spotlight by the network’s new media team, Program continuously aims to the job market. She encouraged ties that develop Math and Eng- shared information about com- of Qatar National Vision 2030 understanding readers’ behav- building the network’s global develop Al-Qabas Program to students to build a solid founda- lish language skills. During ses- munication channels for more that encourages innovative ini- iour and opening new channels strategy across social platforms provide more opportunities that tion in math and English skills sions such as “Study Skills for details about the Qatari labour tiatives that contribute to the for conversation. Media pro- as the head of social media. are educational for both male to enhance their success in their Math” and “How to Apply Math market. Both sessions included growth and stability of Qatar. 04 Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Nation MES Indian School opens new branch in Abu Hamour Tribune News Network Doha

The MES Indian School on Tuesday inaugurated its new branch in Abu Hamour area for the current academic year 2021-22. After inaugurating the school in a soft launch cer- emony, MES Governing Board President K Abdul Karim said the school, with its futuristic “The new school premises can accommodate 1,450 learners as per the Ministry of Education and Higher approach, would cater to all Education regulations. the educational needs of the students in tune with the lat- est requirements. “The new Abu Ham- our branch of our school is purpose-built to further the the school principal, said, “We prime articulated objective cludes 13 years of teaching ex- learning horizons of students are committed to providing that motivated us to open the perience in India and 15 years in a sophisticated study ambi- quality education at par with new premises.” of administrative experience ence,” he said. international standards. Our “The new school premises in Saudi Arabia. MES Governing Board team of educators is com- can accommodate 1,450 learn- General Secretary Officiat- mitted to providing the 21st ers as per the Ministry of Edu- Some of the salient fea- ing Ahmed Isham said, “The century learners with real life cation and Higher Education tures of the school are: new Abu Hamour branch of experiences to grow as a com- regulations.  Fully Digi-Campus with our school will carry forward munity of lifelong learners. The admission registration state-of-art facilities. the rich legacy of MES in an We strongly believe that if for the school and all other de-  MESIS FM Radio 2.O enhanced manner thus cater- children are given opportuni- tails is available at www.me- (To develop communication ing to the needs of the modern ties to showcase their talents, sisqatar.com and extempore skills) techno-driven younger gener- even sky will not be the limit The school boasts innova-  MESIS Happiness Centre  Science Labs, Math- Play Areas.  Well Experienced and ation. The school is also seek- for their holistic growth. tive activities and practices to (For assisting parents & stu- ematics Lab, Home Science  Twin Computer Labs Highly Qualified Teachers. ing affiliation from CBSE to “The new venture for re- keep learners bonded to the dents to solve academic issues) Lab, Engineering Graphics with latest technology and all  E-Learning empowered extend classes up to grade XII structuring and furthering the teachers and school.  MESIS Green Army (To Lab etc. facilities. methodology for all classes. in the coming years. As of now, existing institution is a step The school will be headed develop positive attitude to-  ‘DEAR’ (Drop Every-  Purpose built Activity  Opportunities to par- the school will be functioning ahead as well as to go an extra by Dr Mohammed Haneef as wards environment) thing And Read), a 3 weeks Room and Art & Craft Room. ticipate in events organized by with classes I to VIII this aca- mile in catering for all the edu- the principal. Dr Haneef has  ‘MESIS Star Chase’ (To programme to develop read-  Language Lab (To devel- CBSE Sahodaya Qatar Chapter. demic year 2021-22.” cational needs of the students been in the educational field continuously monitor and re- ing habit. op language skills; Listening,  Clubs / House based Dr Mohammed Haneef, which has always been our for more than 28 years that in- ward the children on the spot)  Outdoor and Indoor Speaking & Reading) Arts and Sports activities. Aspetar launches ‘Healthy Ramadan Aamali mobile business Story’ campaign for 11th year in a row Tribune News Network Throughout Ramadan, in- activity among Qatari com- Doha formation on nutrition, physi- munity members as well as plans strengthened by cal activity, psychological as- professional and recreational Aspetar Orthopaedic and pects (sleep and stress), and athletes. However, because Sports Medicine Hospital has oral health will be distributed Ramadan is being held in the addition of Microsoft announced the launch of a new primarily through Aspetar’s shadow of the pandemic for ‘Healthy Ramadan’ campaign official social media channels the second time, COVID-19 365 Bundle to each pack for the 11th year in a row. @aspetar. and the resulting restrictions This year’s campaign is The audience is also en- will still be in effect. called Healthy Ramadan Story, couraged to submit questions Coronavirus challenges Tribune News Network Commercial Officer at Oore- and it aims to raise awareness about Ramadan and these and restrictions continue to Doha doo – said: “We recognise about the importance of adopt- topics on Aspetar social me- affect people’s lives and hab- that for many small and me- ing an active and healthy life- dia, and Aspetar experts will its; Aspetar considers this Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading dium enterprises, as well as style during Ramadan. respond in dynamic and in- situation, as well as the need Communications Company, for the self-employed, Micro- The campaign includes teractive ways. for hopeful and positive mes- is bolstering its Aamali mobile soft 365 is an indispensable messages based on the most The campaign, which will saging during the holy season, business plans by including component for their activity. recent findings of Aspetar ers, who have spent several of fasting on athletic perfor- run until the middle of Rama- in order to fully support the Microsoft 365 tools in each By integrating some or all of sports medicine research- years researching the impact mance and overall health. dan, aims to promote physical community. pack. its features into Aamali mo- Customers who subscribe bile plans, Ooredoo is offering to the new Aamali Mobile even better value for money, services will be able to se- while helping to increase office lect packs that are tailored productivity.” to their specific needs in an Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Indian ambassador visits Irkaya bird sanctuary ever-changing digital servic- Bin Nasser Al Thani – Chief es market. Existing contract Commercial Officer at Oore- Tribune News Network ity and Environment (MME) holder trends show that Mi- doo – said: “We recognise Doha has published referral books crosoft365 tools are popular that for many small and me- on the birds, reptiles, mam- when bundled with business dium enterprises, as well as Ambassador of India to mals and butterflies from the mobile plans, and these cus- for the self-employed, Micro- Qatar HE Dr Deepak Mittal farm, led by renowned wildlife tomers also state that value for soft 365 is an indispensable finds time for nature and en- photographer Dilip Anthik- money is a high priority when component for their activity. joys the flora and fauna of Qa- kad, who was the Liaison Of- making these business deci- By integrating some or all of tar amidst his busy schedule. ficer at the MME. sions. Ooredoo has responded its features into Aamali mo- He enjoyed a bird-watching AP Manikandan, former by fine-tuning the Aamali mo- bile plans, Ooredoo is offering trip, with a group of nature ICC president, took the initia- bile plan lineup to meet these even better value for money, lovers, bird watchers and tive in forming the Photogra- customer demands. while helping to increase office photographers, to the ‘Irkaya’ phy Club at Indian Cultural Microsoft 365 bundles will productivity.” farm near Qatar-Saudi Arabia Centre. Thajuddin C, Vishnu be available with a variety of Business customers can border. Gopal, Haseeb CM, and others different productivity tools in leverage the Ooredoo Advan- Spread over an area of 22 accompanied the ambassador response to varying customer tage, making Ooredoo ‘Best square kilometres, this private on the journey. More than needs. Premium-priced bun- for Business’, thanks to its farm is the largest bird sanc- 20 different species of birds dles, for example, include breadth and depth of talent, tuary in Qatar for migratory including raptors such as Office Pro, whereas budget- best fixed and mobile net- birds from Europe to Africa Marsh Harrier, Pallid Harrier, priced bundles include an Of- works, broadest portfolio of and elsewhere. Bird watchers Kestrels; bee-eaters, larks, ficeE mail tool. ICT services and solutions, and photographers across the lapwings, reptiles, and but- Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad and trusted partner for 60 world visit the area to monitor birds at the farm. For over a captured around 300 plus from the farm. terflies were observed during Bin Nasser Al Thani – Chief years. the residential and migratory decade and a half, they have species of birds on camera The Ministry of Municipal- the visit.

COMMANDER OF QATARI EMIRI NAVY MEETS PAKISTANI CHIEF OF STAFF

Commander of the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces HE Major-General Abdullah bin Hassan al Sulaiti received Pakistani Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi in Doha on Tuesday. (TNN) World Wednesday, April 7, 2021 05

UNREST CONTINUES EU hopes News to reset ties in brief with Ankara, Spain to end Russia warns against Covid emergency stress rights on May 9: PM violations Madrid (dpa) - In the wake of a significant improvement dpa in the pandemic situation Istanbul/Brussels sanctions on Myanmar in Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said he European Commission dpa NDL members have died af- does not want to extend the President Ursula von der Moscow ter being arrested, with thee coronavirus state of emer- Leyen and European Council corpses showing signs of se- gency, which expires on May President Charles Michel said Russia warned against im- vere mistreatment. On Tues- 9. “We want May 9 to be on Tuesday they expected a posing sanctions on Myanmar day, a 50-year-old man died the end point,” the Social- meeting with President Recep on Tuesday, as the military a few hours after his release ist politician said after the Tayyip Erdogan to help add junta continues its bloody from custody, according to weekly Cabinet meeting in “new momentum” to relations, crackdown on protests in the The Irrawaddy. Madrid on Tuesday. Sanchez but voiced concern over human country. Suu Kyi herself has report- also promised that by the rights issues in Turkey. Threats, pressure and us- edly been under house arrest end of August 33 million of Brussels wants “much bet- ing sanctions against the act- since the early February coup. the country’s total popula- ter relations” with Ankara, but ing authorities in Myanmar Many of her fellow party mem- tion of around 47 million will not hesitate to raise its are futile and extremely dan- bers have been taken into cus- would have been vaccinated voice when it comes to domes- gerous, the Foreign Ministry tody. against Covid-19. (dpa) tic rights violations or “unilat- told Interfax news agency on Meanwhile, protests eral actions” against EU mem- Tuesday. against the junta continued on bers Greece and Cyprus, von Such policies “only con- Tuesday, with new arrests and NZ to open border der Leyen said after the meet- tribute to setting the parties the army deploying tear gas to to Australia in ing. against each other,” the min- disperse protesters. ‘travel bubble’ The EU criticism came on istry said, adding that it would Last week, the UN Security the heels of a lawsuit by Tur- drive people into civil war. Council called on the military Wellington: New Zealand key’s top prosecutor to shut The United States, Britain, to exercise restraint, while will open its border to visi- down the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ European Union and Canada Washington said it was work- tors from Australia from April Democratic Party (HDP) - the have already hit the military ing on reacting to the military 19, Prime Minister Jacinda country’s second largest oppo- with a raft of sanctions. violence with more sanctions. Ardern announced on Tues- sition party - and the jailing of The military seized con- Protesters take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Mandalay on Tuesday. (afp) Russia called on the mili- day. Both countries’ borders a former HDP lawmaker over trol of the South-East Asian tary not to interfere in Myan- have been closed to all but alleged terrorism links. country in February after an killed, including 47 children, On Tuesday, another According to sources close mar’s internal affairs. residents and citizens, with The lawsuit followed a election which Aung San Suu according to the Assistance member of Suu Kyi’s National to Win, the army arrested her At the same time, Moscow a few exemptions, since presidential decree to withdraw Kyi’s ruling party won by a Association for Political Pris- League for Democracy (NLD), without an apparent reason. wants to continue its military March 2020. The “trans- from a European convention on landslide. oners (AAPP), a non-profit or- 75-year-old Mya Mya Win, “We are deeply worried be- cooperation, it said. Tasman travel bubble” will protecting womens’ rights and Since the coup, the mili- ganization. had been arrested at her house cause there have been cases Russia’s deputy defence allow Australians and New police violence against students tary junta has violently Nearly 2,700 people are in Yangon on Sunday, local of NDL members being badly minister Alexander Fomin at- Zealanders to travel between protesting Erdogan’s appoint- cracked down on protests and in detention, the organization newspaper The Irrawaddy re- tortured,” the sources said. tended a military parade in both countries without the ment of a pro-government rec- at least 570 people have been said. ported. In recent weeks, several Myanmar just over a week ago. need to quarantine, Ardern tor at an Istanbul university. said. Ardern said managing “We are at the beginning the coronavirus pandemic of a road,” von der Leyen told and keeping Covid-19 out a joint press conference with of New Zealand had been Michel, adding Turkey’s com- NATO chief concerned over “a massive effort” over the mitment to human rights will US, Iran in indirect talks as nuclear past year. (dpa) define the next joint steps. Russian activity in Ukraine “Human rights issues are non-negotibale,” she said, add- deal powers meet in Vienna dpa sian border are controlled by re- Austria prepares ing the two had “an intensive Brussels/London bels supported by Moscow. to reopen public discussion” with Erdogan on dpa As a result of the fight- life in May related issues. Vienna NATO Secretary General Jens ing with government troops, Last month, EU leaders Stoltenberg voiced concern more than 13,000 people have Vienna: Austria is preparing offered to discuss updating Top diplomats were meeting about recent Russian military been killed, according to UN to reopen up many sectors Turkey’s 25-year-old customs in Vienna on Tuesday to try activity in and around Ukraine estimates. Despite an agreed of public life in May as it union with the bloc and extend to save the nuclear deal with as well as ceasefire violations ceasefire, there have been re- emerges from the worst of a 2016 migration pact with An- Iran. in a phone call with Ukrainian peated deadly clashes in eastern the pandemic. Chancellor kara. But this time, in what could President Volodymyr Zelenksy. Ukraine in the past few weeks. Sebastian Kurz announced But the 27 member states mark an important milestone “NATO firmly supports Late Monday, two people on Tuesday the establish- warned they were still prepared in the effort to restore the 2015 Ukraine’s sovereignty and ter- were killed according to Kiev, at ment of a corresponding to apply sanctions, if Turkey accord, US negotiators were to ritorial integrity,” the military least one them a soldier. Since commission consisting of resumed its “illegal” energy ex- be present and holding indi- People protest near the Grand Hotel in Vienna on Tuesday, where alliance chief tweeted on Tues- the beginning of this year alone, representatives of the feder- ploration in the eastern Medi- rect talks with the Iranians. diplomats of the EU, China, Russia and Iran are holding talks. (afp) day after the conversation, in a at least 24 soldiers have died on al government, the provinc- terranean. Working groups would warning to Moscow. the Ukrainian government side. es and the municipalities. It The EU is prepared to be formed among the partici- and were to start working im- our partners and, in turn, our Amid reports of Russian Separatists recently spoke is also important to prepare further fund Syrian refugees pants, with European negotia- mediately. partners with Iran is a healthy troop deployments, concern of some 23 people killed in their the opening steps carefully hosted in Turkey and look into tors shuttling between the US “These are early days,” step forward,” he said. is growing that the conflict area. Zelensky said member- and in good time, he said, expanding academic exchange and Iranian sides, the State spokesperson Ned Price said Iranian government between Russia and Ukraine ship of NATO was “the only way pointing out that the vac- and research funding opportu- Department in Washington on Monday. “We don’t an- spokesperson Ali Rabiei said could escalate again. for peace.” Granting Ukraine a cination progress expected nities, added von der Leyen. said. ticipate an early or immediate on Tuesday that Tehran was Russia annexed the Crime- plan to join the alliance would for the over-65s in April will However, Ankara must re- According to Russia, two breakthrough, as these discus- “neither optimistic nor pes- an peninsula seven years ago af- be a “clear signal” for Moscow, probably result in a mas- sume “return operations from expert working groups were sions we fully expect will be simistic about the outcome of ter a controversial referendum. Zelensky said, according to a sive relief of the country’s the Greek islands to Turkey set up which are to focus on difficult.” “But we do believe the negotiations in the coming Parts of Ukraine’s Donetsk and statement released after the call hospitals. (dpa) without any delay,” she warned. sanctions and nuclear issues that these discussions with weeks.” Luhansk regions along the Rus- with Stoltenberg. Coronavirus UK variant Botswana issues licences to hunt spreads to all US states 287 elephants dpa Washington dpa Gaborone Dr Michael Osterholm, director for the Center for Infectious Disease Research Botswana’s authorities have issued 287 elephant- and Policy at the University of Minnesota, hunting licences as the hunting season resumed after said the highly contagious Covid-19 vari- it was suspended last year due to the pandemic. ant first identified in theU K has now been Hunters may shoot 287 elephants this season, reported in every US state. Director of the Department of Wildlife and National “America appears to be done with the Parks Kabelo Senyatso said in an interview. pandemic. The virus is not done with us,” The hunting season runs from April 6 to Septem- he told reporters. ber 21. Botswana had banned hunting in 2014 but 76,594 new coronavirus cases were lifted the ban in 2019. reported in the United States on Monday, However, hunting was then interrupted by the taking the national total to 30,785,415. outbreak of Covid-19, leading some international This is higher than the 7-day average of hunters to pull out. 64,851. Senyatso defended Botswana’s decision to allow 530 new deaths were reported in the hunting and issue licences, saying the government country on the same day, which is lower had introduced the policy after consultation. than the weekly average of 794. With this, Healthcare workers administer Moderna vac- “The hunting of elephants and other species is a the Covid death toll in the US increased to cines to members of the Muslim community government policy which was adopted following an 555,615. in Toronto recently. (afp) open process of consultation by Cabinet ministers New York led in both Covid metrics - and was supported by Batswana,” he said, referring 6,717 new cases and 71 deaths. approximately 800 per day. to the citizens of Botswana. CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky White House Senior Advisor for Covid Animal rights group Future for Elephants con- said cases are increasing nationally, and Response Andy Slavitt said that an average demned the move, saying the trophy hunting of el- that these increases are partly due to more of 3.1 million vaccine shots are being ad- ephants was a brutal relic of centuries past, without highly transmissible variants. ministered to people in the US every day. any justification as species become extinct. CDC’s most recent data show the Over the weekend, there were more than Hunting benefits the economy, according to the seven-day average of new cases is about 4 million recorded vaccinations in a single Botswana Wildlife Producers Association (BWPA). 64,000 per day. This is approximately 7 day for the first time. Spokesperson Debbie Peake said, “Yes hunting sea- per cent more compared to the prior sev- Nearly one in three Americans and son started today and we already have clients on the en-day period. over 40 per cent of adults have at least one ground, some coming from as far as America and “Importantly, we are now entering our shot, and nearly one in four adults are fully other countries.” Peake said her association hoped fourth week of increased trends and cas- vaccinated. that the message would spread that travel was not es,” Dr. Walensky saidf at a White House More than fifty-five per cent of seniors too difficult. “People can come as long as they comply news conference. are fully vaccinated. with the Covid-19 protocols,” she told dpa. Hospital admissions have also in- Until Monday, more than 106 million Elephants face a further threat from poaching creased. The most recent seven-day trend people have received at least one dose, and and conflicts over habitat. There is also growing con- average is about 4,970 admissions per day. more than 61.4 million, or 18.5 per cent, cern that planned oil drilling will threaten the Oka- Deaths have decreased to an average of are fully vaccinated, Slavitt told reporters. vango delta. 06 Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

Biden’s Infrastructure Qatar committed to IAEA’s goals Plan Is Good But Needs in achieving peace: Envoy Work Qatar has maintained close relations with the IAEA through agreements on various ike much of Joe Biden’s presidency to date, aspects related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the sharing of nuclear the $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan he laid knowledge and technologies: Al Mansouri Lout Wednesday is remarkably ambitious. Rightly so. America’s economic future is at stake. The country needs a bold new commitment QNA DC with the aim of assisting countries, in to public investment. The U.S. is visibly falling Doha particular developing nations, in address- behind. Any recent traveler to Beijing or Shang- ing organised crime, corruption, drugs and hai is struck by how shabby American airports mbassador of Qatar to the Fed- terrorism, and building solid and transpar- and city grids look in comparison. And this isn’t eral Republic of Austria and the ent criminal justice systems, he added. just about appearances. China is proving that Permanent Representative of Qatar Due to the impressive successes modern infrastructure is an essential compo- to the United Nations and interna- achieved by the Doha Declaration Global nent of industrial competitiveness and econom- tional organisations in Vienna HE Programme, UN Secretary-General Anto- ic growth. Unless something changes, Wash- SAultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri has said nio Guterres chose the Education for Jus- ington’s neglect of roads, bridges and other there is a qualitative leap in the coopera- tice (E4J) initiative, emanating from the connective tissue, plus tion between Qatar and the United Nations global programme, from among 194 pro- failure to invest in the and international organisations in Vienna, jects submitted by 52 organs of the United infrastructure of the most notably the cooperation with the In- Nations from 44 UN worksites to win the future — from digital Invest ternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) UN Secretary-General 2020 Innovation access to clean power and the United Nations Office onD rugs Award, he pointed out. grids — will condemn where it and Crime (UNODC). With regard to the existing cooperation the U.S. to relative eco- In an interview with Lusail newspaper, between Qatar and the United Nations Of- nomic decline. counts and the ambassador emphasised the close rela- fice in Vienna, Al Mansouri indicated that Give Biden credit tions and cooperation between Qatar and an agreement has been reached between for thinking big. His get value the IAEA and its commitment to the agen- expand the agency’s scientific laboratories Prevention and Criminal Justice hosted the two sides to establish the United Na- aims far exceed the kind cy’s goals to expand the role of nuclear en- in Seibersdorf in the outskirts of Vienna, in by Qatar in 2015 has established a distin- tions Regional Center for Combating Cy- of workaday repairs for money ergy in achieving peace, development and addition to expanding its cooperation with guished and fruitful cooperation between bercrime in Doha. that have long charac- prosperity in countries of the world. the agency in the field of nuclear security Qatar and UNODC, especially through On cooperation between Qatar and terized such proposals. Not content to fill pot- He said Qatar cooperates with the Unit- and safety and the ratification of the Con- the Doha Declaration Global Programme, Austria, he said that there are several vi- holes and mend bridges, the plan seeks to revive ed Nations’ organisations and other inter- vention on the Physical Protection of Nu- which is funded by Qatar. tal sectors that the countries look to co- domestic manufacturing, overhaul the energy in- national organisations operating in Vien- clear Materials. He added that the programme has be- operate in, foremost of which is the joint dustry, mitigate climate change and undertake a na, most notably the IAEA, the UNODC, It also joined the Convention on Nu- come a pioneering model to be emulated cooperation in the banking sector and its variety of “transformative investments.” Biden is United Nations Industrial Development clear Safety and provided continuous fi- in providing support to the United Nations encouragement through the opening of also right to see an opportunity to advance other Organisation (UNIDO), the Preparatory nancial support for the agency’s technical, Office on Drugs and Crime in order to as- a representative office of some Austrian goals at the same time — such as creating good Commission for the Comprehensive Nucle- medical, therapeutic and agricultural pro- sist countries, especially developing ones, banks in Doha, which would contribute new jobs and reducing inequality. ar-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation, the Unit- jects, he added. in addressing organized crime, corruption, to encouraging investments and increas- The proposal takes many steps in the right ed Nations Officefor Outer Space Affairs Ambassador Al Mansouri praised the drugs and terrorism, and in building well- ing the volume of trade exchanges, noting direction. It offers more than $600 billion for (UNOOSA), International Organisation for cooperation between Qatar with the agency established and fair criminal justice sys- that Austria, through its legal structure transportation; doubles funding for mass tran- Migration (IOM), and Organisation for Se- when it comes to monitoring nuclear secu- tems and contributing to the implementa- and relaxed tax regulations with foreign sit; and devotes big bucks to strengthening the curity and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). rity measures during the FIFA World Cup tion of the goals of the United Nations 2030 investors, provides one of the best pillars electric grid, boosting green energy, expanding He pointed out that Qatar, since its ac- 2022, as well as the participation of Qatari Agenda for Sustainable Development. of international investment, as the repre- access to high-speed internet, and other worthy cession to the IAEA in 1976, has maintained experts in many training courses held by He underlined that the Global Pro- sentative office can be a bridge for direct initiatives. It includes a lot of smart ideas, such close cooperation relations with the agency the agency in both its headquarters in Vi- gramme for the Implementation of the and personal access to the private banking as a competitive grant program to reward areas through agreements and memoranda of enna and in Qatar. Doha Declaration reflected the wisdom sector in Austria. that eliminate exclusionary zoning policies, a understanding on various aspects related to On cooperation with the United Na- and foresight of the country’s political lead- Given the interest of world’s countries bold expansion of R&D investment, and funding the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the tions Office onD rugs and Crime (UNODC), ership, led by His Highness the Amir of in Qatar’s ongoing preparations to host the for electric-car charging stations. sharing of nuclear knowledge and technolo- Al Mansouri said that since its establish- State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad FIFA World Cup 2022, the Austrian gov- A particular strength is the plan’s bold pro- gies, especially in the areas of research and ment in 1997 in Vienna, the UNODC has Al Thani, and Qatar’s belief in pluralism in ernment has become very interested in ex- posals for decarbonizing the economy. It aims development on vital problems facing de- played a pioneering role in the fight against international work as well as its endeavour panding the contribution of its companies for carbon-free electricity by 2035, offers tax veloping countries through directing work illicit drugs and international crime in all to convert international political commit- in the World Cup projects, as there are sev- credits for clean energy generation and stor- efforts towards food, health, water, the en- its dimensions, in addition to being respon- ments into projects on the ground. eral companies working in the construction age, invests in carbon capture and sequestra- vironment, and the fields of nuclear and ra- sible for implementing the UN Counter- After the impressive success of the 13th of stadiums, sports facilities and the metro tion technologies, adds significant new funds diological technology. Terrorism Strategy. Congress on Crime Prevention and Crimi- in Doha, in addition to its desire to enter for climate research, and much else. In addition He underlined that Qatar is keen to ful- The office also works to improve crime nal Justice that was held in Doha in April into other projects in the future, he said. to reducing emissions, this push should boost fil its financial obligations to the agency’s prevention procedures and help reform 2015, and the issuance of its political dec- The ambassador said PORR, one of growth, create jobs, and help level the playing budget and the Technical Cooperation criminal justice systems in the world in or- laration - the Doha Declaration - HH the the largest construction companies in Aus- field with fossil fuels. Fund (TCF). He pointed out that Qatar also der to strengthen the rule of law, he added. Amir ordered the funding of an interna- tria, has contributed to the construction of All this is good. But the plan is by no means contributed financial assistance outside the In this regard, he pointed out that the tional programme to implement the Doha several facilities in Qatar, most notably Al flawless. regular budget for the project to renew and 13th United Nations Congress on Crime Declaration in cooperation with the UNO- Janoub Stadium.

Stop Grousing About Vaccine ‘Passports’: They’re The Key To Reopening Society

Michael Hiltzik businesses from requiring documentation of or a faction of a party seizes the issue and shops or entertainment venues. COVID vaccination via a “vaccine passport” makes it political,” Studdert says, “That sud- That’s the rationale behind the first or other form before admitting or serving denly you see people lining up on different state-sponsored vaccine certification, the t was a bright yellow booklet I carried patrons. sides of the debate.” Excelsior Pass, rolled out by New York state everywhere, and at some national bor- Whether the order has any teeth is For all that conservatives warn that vac- in late March. The app-based pass allows us- ders it was scrutinized even more careful- murky. The penalty for businesses in viola- cine passports will herald the incursion of ers to upload their vaccine certifications and ly than my government-issued passport. tion is ineligibility for state grants or con- government into our private lives, requiring display a code at the door of participating It was my vaccine certificate, showing tracts, and the order says it doesn’t prevent proof of immunization for certain purposes businesses to gain entry. theI dates I’d received shots or screenings for businesses from “instituting COVID-19 is hardly new. Anyone traveling outside the US may be more than half a dozen diseases. screening protocols ... to protect public Families with children are certainly fa- unable to avoid vaccine passports. They’re In sub-Saharan Africa, where I traveled health.” miliar with immunization requirements for already in use in Israel and under considera- as a Times correspondent in the 1980s and In any event, whether any business or school — Florida, like other states, mandates tion in Europe. Once the tide of immuniza- 1990s, these included yellow fever, polio, state should follow DeSantis’ lead is ques- proof of multiple doses of several vaccines tion reaches critical mass in the US, it’s a safe meningitis, hepatitis, measles and tubercu- tionable. Florida currently ranks 12th among before children can enter the K-12 system, bet that they’ll be welcomed by the private losis. all states in its most recent seven-day aver- for example. Businesses of all kinds reserve sector here, too. Businesses aren’t going to All were endemic in many of the coun- age of coronavirus cases per capita, and 10th the right to deny service to patrons who don’t be very happy about being told by the likes of tries I covered. Without the vaccine passport in per-capita deaths. Its rates in both catego- meet their standards of dress or behavior. DeSantis that they can’t take steps to protect — yes, that’s what it was — almost certainly ries are rising. Such rules are generally permitted under their workers and customers. I’d have been barred from leaving the airport “I find the politics a little head-spinning,” Until recently, Studdert says, Americans’ law as long as they’re not applied to discrimi- The lesson of automobile safety man- and placed on the first plane out of the coun- says David Studdert, a health law expert with opinions of vaccine-related work or business nate against certain protected groups. Fed- dates is instructive. Detroit automakers try. a dual appointment at Stanford’s schools of restrictions appeared to be nonpolitical. In a eral law prohibits businesses from refusing resisted federal mandates for shoulder har- Immunization rules were rigorously en- medicine and law. survey he and his co-author, Mark A Hall of to serve customers because of their race, re- nesses and air bags for years, arguing that forced because those diseases were endemic In a recent article in the New England Wake Forest University, conducted in June, ligion or national origin, and the Americans they would drive up car prices and Ameri- in the countries I visited. Today, COVID-19 Journal of Medicine on policy and ethical close to half of all respondents favored privi- With Disabilities Act bars discrimination can consumers didn’t care about safety. The is more than endemic; its a pandemic, of considerations related to vaccine passports, leges for immunized people. against the disabled. rules went into effect in the 1970s, and it course. And that’s what makes the political Studdert and his co-author acknowledged Support was highest for “using passports Wary of a political reaction, the Biden wasn’t long before Detroit began using the debate over COVID vaccine “passports” so that requiring proof of vaccination today or certificates to enable returns to high-risk administration has disavowed any intention safety of their vehicles as a selling point. bizarre. would be “morally questionable.” jobs or attendance at large recreational to create or maintain a central vaccination The conservatives militating against vac- Make no mistake: In the United States, That’s largely because the supply of shots events than for returning to work generally,” database. Its role is more likely to set guide- cine certifications are making the same cal- the debate is being driven almost entirely by is still inadequate, some age groups are still the authors found. lines and exercise oversight to ensure that culation — that Americans care less about ideology and partisan politics. Conservatives ineligible, and vaccination rates in low-in- What was most interesting was that the issuance of vaccine proofs isn’t subject to their own safety than about some nebulous and Republicans have embraced opposition come and ethnic communities lag those of opinion was completely unrelated to race, fraud or other wrongdoing. variety of “vaccine fascism.” That’s a bad bet, to vaccination requirements as the newest white and economically privileged Ameri- age, educational level or partisan leaning. The impetus for vaccine passports or and businesses and politicians would be well flashpoint in their culture war. cans. “The split was right down the middle,” Stud- certifications is more likely to come from the advised to place their wagers the other way. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose des- Those divergences, however, “aren’t go- dert says. private sector itself. Businesses will want to peration to be a frontline culture warrior ing to be there for very long” as the rate of But that may have been because the is- show that they’re doing their best to main- (Michael Hiltzik is an American seems related to his pursuit of the 2022 GOP vaccination improves across the board and sue was in a “pre-political” stage at the time tain healthy premises, in part because many columnist and reporter who has presidential nomination, on Friday issued all adult Americans become eligible, Stud- — vaccines still seemed to be many months customers will be wary of patronizing those written extensively for the Los Ange- an executive order purporting to bar Florida dert told me. in the future. “It’s not until a political party that don’t, whether they’re airlines, retail les Times)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Wednesday, April 7, 2021 07

News Death toll in Indonesian floods, landslides rises to 128 in brief dpa At least 72 people were still press conference. to 27, the tiny country’s gov- Jakarta He said the government ernment said. Duterte: S China missing after the disasters was providing helicopters to “The floods that occurred Sea rift won’t Indonesian authorities attributed to Cyclone Seroja distribute aid to remote loca- in several areas of the country affect friendly ties were sending helicopters on struck several islands tions. Another 49 people were have caused extensive proper- Tuesday to air-drop relief sup- in East Nusa Tenggara prov- killed on nearby Adonara ty damage, leaving hundreds Manila: Philippine President plies over remote locations in ince on Sunday island and 12 died on neigh- of families displaced, at least Rodrigo Duterte said on the country’s east after land- bouring Alor island, the disas- 27 fatalities and eight still to Tuesday his country’s dis- slides and floods triggered ter agency said. be confirmed,” the office of pute with Beijing over activity by a tropical cyclone killed at enon in several places,” said Access to the island had the prime minister said in a in the South China Sea will least 128 people, officials said. Raditya Djati, spokesman for been difficult because of high statement. not affect “bilateral friendly At least 72 people were the National Disaster Man- seas and storms. In the capital Dili, 13 peo- relations.” “We will continue still missing after the disasters agement Agency. Cyclone Seroja was mov- ple were killed and more than to resolve the issues on [the attributed to Cyclone Seroja The death toll includes Damaged homes are seen after a flash flood in Waiwerang village, ing south-west away from 7,000 displaced, it said. Whitsun Reef] through diplo- struck several islands in East 67 people who died in a rain- East Flores recently. (afp) Indonesia on Tuesday, the na- Authorities have mobi- matic channels and through Nusa Tenggara province on triggered avalanche of debris tional weather agency said. lized to provide shelter and peaceful means,” Duterte Sunday. from the Lewatolo volcano on ing Adonara were the worst Doni Monardo. Meanwhile, in neighbour- food aid to the displaced and said in a statement. De- “At least 128 died during Lembata on Sunday, he said. hit, with about 500 buildings “Many people are still ing East Timor, the death toll repair damaged infrastruc- fence Secretary Delfin Loren- the extreme weather phenom- Lembata and neighbour- damaged, said agency director missing there,” he said at a from the severe weather rose ture facilities. zana last week asked China to withdraw ships that have been moored on the Whitsun Reef since early March. The Philippines says the reef sits in its exclusive economic Bangladesh ferry crash zone, while China says the Jordan bans reporting waters are their traditional death toll rises to 34 fishing grounds.(dpa) on Hamzah’s ‘plot’ case as more bodies found One killed in anti-lockdown dpa salvage operation was official- protest in B’desh Dhaka ly called off on Monday. The ban aims to preserve the secrecy of investigations conducted by security services Twenty-one bodies were Dhaka: At least one per- The death toll from a ferry found trapped inside the son was killed and several disaster in Bangladesh has double-decker ferry when the others were wounded after jumped to 34 after searchers vessel was towed to the shore a protest against Covid-19 found more bodies in the river after an 18-hour salvage op- restrictions turned violent in near the capital Dhaka, offi- eration conducted by a team Bangladesh, police said on cials said on Tuesday. made up of navy, coast guard, Tuesday. The demonstration The ferry carrying more police and fire service and in the south-western town than 50 passengers sank on civil defence department staff. of Saltha ensued on Mon- Sunday evening after being hit Five more bodies were found day evening after rumours by a cargo vessel in the Shi- adrift hours later. spread that a man was talakshya river, at a location Commodore Golam Sadeq, beaten by officials who were nearly 30 kilometres south of the head of Bangladesh In- monitoring compliance with Dhaka. land Water Transport Author- the coronavirus lockdown, lo- Local government official ity, said that the coast guards cal police chief Mohammad Nahida Barik said the search would continue their search Alimuzzaman told dpa. The crews found eight more bodies operation for the time being in protest turned violent within adrift on the waters since the case others were found. hours as several thousand stick-wielding demonstrators took to the streets vandal- ising a number of public offices and setting them on fire, he said. Police fired bul- lets and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators who broke into a local police sta- tion at one point, an incident that left one protester dead, Alimuzzaman said. (dpa) People shop at a public fresh produce market in Amman on Tuesday. (AFP)

dpa Hamzah and others that were Hamzah said the army told he affirmed his loyalty to King Sri Lanka to ‘free’ Amman targeting the kingdom’s sta- him not to leave his house or Abdullah. country of palm bility and security, and that communicate with anyone. The statement came after Divers recover a dead body from the capsized boat in Shitalakshya oil and cultivation Jordan’s top prosecutor they were in contact with “for- Two audio recordings by mediation by the king’s and River, near Dhaka on Monday. (afp) on Tuesday banned the pub- eign parties,” the authorities Hamzah have been circulating Hamzah’s uncle, Prince Has- Colombo: Sri Lanka’s lication of any information on social media since Satur- san, in a bid to put an end to a president has imposed or material relating to a case day. One is of a conversation rare public dispute within the an immediate ban on the in which ex-crown prince between Hamzah and the head Jordanian royal family. import of palm oil and has Hamzah is involved in a plot of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, However, it remains un- Egypt says no ordered the gradual removal to destabilize the kingdom. The ban includes audio and Yousef Ahmed al-Hunaiti. clear how the case will pro- of the crops, in a move to The ban aims to preserve These recordings have ceed, after 16 to 18 people eliminate the environmen- the secrecy of the investiga- visual media and social been praised by some Jorda- have been arrested, according progress in latest tally harmful cultivations in tions conducted by the securi- networking sites, and the nians, who praised his defi- to Foreign Minister Ayman al- the country, an official said ty services, the prosecutor said publication and circulation ant tone and condemnation of Safadi. on Tuesday. President Gota- in a statement, according to of any pictures or videos corruption in the country. Arab monarchies and gov- Ethiopian dam talks baya Rajapaksa on Monday the official Petra news agency. related to this topic Hamzah, 41, is a popular ernments expressed full sup- ordered his officials to “The ban includes audio figure in Jordan and his social port to Abdullah and his ef- dpa achieve progress nor did it lead promulgate laws preventing and visual media and social gatherings with senior tribes- forts to maintain stability in Cairo to an agreement on relaunch- fresh imports of palm oil, networking sites, and the pub- men are welcomed by many as the kingdom. ing the negotiations.” Sudan releasing already imported lication and circulation of any said on Sunday. Several high- a reflection of his closeness to On Tuesday, al-Safadi said No progress was made in the proposed forming an interna- stocks to the markets and pictures or videos related to profile individuals have since the people. he held “in-depth brotherly latest round of talks held over tional quartet, to be led by the gradually starting to uproot this topic,” read the statement. been arrested. He was Jordan’s crown talks” with his Saudi counter- Ethiopia’s dam on the Blue current African Union head, palm plantations. “The The government said it The Jordanian army de- prince between 1999 and part Faisal bin Farhan. Nile, Egypt said on Tuesday the Democratic Republic of objective of the president is had foiled over the weekend nied Hamzah was under house 2004, when Abdullah re- Faisal, who arrived in while accusing Addis Ababa of Congo. Another proposal was to free the country of use a destabilising plot involving arrest, but that he was asked moved him and appointed his Jordan on Monday, carried a “hindering” any progress and to resume negotiations under of palm oil and eradicate Prince Hamzah, King Abdul- to refrain from activities that own son, al-Hussein. message from Saudi King Sal- complicating the dispute. the leadership of the Congolese palm cultivations from the lah’s half-brother. could be damaging to the king- On Monday night, the roy- man to Abdullah asserting Ri- The African Union-mediat- president and observers. country,” a spokesperson Investigations showed dom’s stability. al court released a statement yadh’s support to Amman “in ed talks were held on Sunday Ethiopia rejected the pro- for the presidential office there were movements by In recorded videos, signed by Hamzah, in which the face of all challenges.” and Monday in Kinshasa in a posals, which reflects the lack said. (dpa) bid to resolve a years-long dis- of political will to negotiate pute between three Nile basin and a tendency to procrasti- countries over the hydroelec- nate, Hafez said in a statement. Iranian officers in Russian foreign minister in Pak to discuss Afghan peace tric Grand Ethiopian Renais- Egypt, which is concerned court over downing sance Dam. Egypt and Sudan about the control of water of Ukrainian jet dpa warm up to each other about dpa. The Russian diplomat fence, counter-terrorism and are seeking a legally binding flow, said it hoped the talks Islamabad the peace process in neigh- would hold talks with Paki- the Afghan peace process deal that would guarantee ap- would lead to a timetable to Tehran: An Iranian military bouring Afghanistan. stan’s Prime Minister Imran would be on he agenda, the propriate flows of water and a reach “a fair, balanced and le- court has brought charges Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov was set to discuss Khan, military and intelli- statement added. legal mechanism for resolving gally binding agreement.” against 10 officers over Sergei Lavrov arrived in Is- “prospects of transition in Af- gence leaders and his counter- Officials said the lingering disputes before the dam starts Ethiopia wants the dam to the shooting down of an lamabad on Tuesday in the ghanistan aimed at giving the part, a Foreign Ministry state- global efforts to seek an end to operating. boost its power exports, where- Ukrainian passenger jet in first visit to Pakistan by a Taliban insurgents a chance ment said. the two-decade-long conflict Egyptian Foreign Ministry as Egypt relies almost exclu- 2020, the Isna news agency Moscow diplomat in nearly a to join the country’s political Bilateral cooperation in- in Afghanistan would figure at spokesman, Ahmed Hafez, said sively on the Nile for farming, reported on Tuesday. No decade as the cold-war rivals mainstream,” an official told cluding in security and de- the meetings. that the negotiations “did not industry and domestic use. details were initially known about the background to the charges and accusations, but the prosecution said a verdict was expected soon. The Ukrainian Boeing was Pak keeps most schools shut as case numbers rise among children mistakenly shot down by Iranian air defences shortly dpa 12 are to resume on a staggered have caught the deadly virus, ment’s attempts to improve after taking off from Tehran Islamabad basis in two weeks, the minis- health officials said. the situation, Pakistan’s lead- on January 8, 2020. All 176 ter said. The country reported The country is heading ing medic Faisal Sultan said. people on board were killed. Pakistani authorities an- more than 100 deaths in the towards a grim milestone of After supplies were de- The victims were mainly from nounced on Tuesday that most 15,000 deaths since the out- layed under the global distri- Ukraine and Iran, as well as schools would remain closed Fears are rising in break began. Last month, Pa- bution system, Pakistan relied Canada, Afghanistan, Britain for another three weeks as Pakistan as more than kistan closed all schools when on political ally China for vac- and Sweden. In a 285-page thousands of children were 10,000 children have the positivity rate of those test- cine. However, only around 1 final report released last infected with the virus amid a ed for the coronavirus reached million people have received month, Iran called it a “hu- third of wave of cases. caught the deadly virus, 10 percent. Levels had slightly their first jab so far, due to the man error” and agreed to pay Students on grades one to health officials said improved on Monday when sluggish rollout. The Pakistan each victim’s family 150,000 eight are to remain at home un- just over 8 per cent of tests Medical Association, the coun- dollars in damages. Presi- til April 28 before the situation past 24 hours on Monday, the were positive. Officials none- try’s largest body of health care dent Hassan Rowhani had is reviewed again, Education highest figure so far during the theless called the situation professionals, has advised the repeatedly called for a trial of Minister Shafqat Mahmood latest wave of infections. alarming. government against reopening Private school teachers carry placards during a demonstration those responsible. (dpa) said in Islamabad. Fears are rising in Pakistan The slow rollout of vaccine schools until the current wave demanding the government to reopen all educational institutes in Classes for grades nine to as more than 10,000 children is also hindering the govern- of cases subsides. Islamabad on Tuesday. (AFP) Can global energy transition boost Africa’s virus recovery? page 11

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

33,453.97 10,394.92 49,201.39 1,742.83 -73.22 pts +20.52 pts +42.07 pts Gold +0.84% QFC has already met its 2022 Dow QE sensex objective, says Sheikh Fahad page 9 Price percentage Price percentage 25.24 Brent 62.80 +1.05% WTI 59.39 +1.26% Silver +1.86%

Qatar Petroleum enters two offshore Qatar affirms support for transparent exploration blocks in Namibia business policies and practices QNA tion. disputes, providing appro- Geneva Kuwari stressed that Qa- priate policies for the private Tribune News Network Working on these promising tar ascribed high value to the sector, and continuing to pro- Doha and prospective blocks with Qatar affirmed its commit- Trade Policy Review mecha- mote economic development our valued long-term part- ment and support for trans- nism, as it supports a direct through trade facilitation and Qatar Petroleum entered ner, Shell, is another step in parency of business policies and transparent approach to investment promotion. into an agreement with Shell our stride towards achiev- and practices, and a rule- clarifying members’ policies, The minister said that to become a partner in two ing our international growth based trade system, out of its options, and position. Qatar had realised the impor- exploration blocks offshore strategy. We look forward keenness to adopt this system He assured that Qatar re- tance of enhancing the role of the Republic of Namibia. to working together with to achieve the goals of Qatar mains committed to the rule- international trade in working Under the terms of the the Namibian Government, National Vision 2030. based system of trade, not for its future development. agreement, which is subject NAMCOR and Shell on these This came in the speech only due to its adoption of Thus, Qatar has been keen to to customary approvals, Qa- blocks.” of Minister of Commerce and transparency and enhancing further liberalize its domestic tar Petroleum will hold a 45% This is Qatar Petroleum’s Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed Al predictability in international markets to foreign investors participating interest in the second exploration license Kuwari who chaired on Tues- trade but also because of its across the economy, particu- PEL 39 exploration license in Namibia. In August 2019, day Qatar’s delegation partici- keenness to make extensive larly in knowledge-intensive pertaining to Block 2913A Qatar Petroleum entered into pating in the opening session use of this system. areas and real estate. and Block 2914B, while Shell agreements for participating of Qatar’s third Trade Policy He pointed out that since Furthermore, Kuwari clar- (the Operator) will hold a in blocks 2913B and 2912 off- Review meetings at the World its last Trade Policy Review in ified that Qatar had sought 45% interest, and the Na- shore Namibia. Trade Organization (WTO), 2014, Qatar had relied exten- to achieve these objectives tional Petroleum Corpora- Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, the sharing agreement in Namib- The PEL 39 blocks are and which will last for three sively on the multilateral trad- by creating an investment tion of Namibia (NAMCOR) Minister of State for Energy ia, we are pleased to expand located offshore Namibia in days. ing system. The multilateral promotion agency, overhaul- will hold the remaining 10% Affairs, the President and our exploration footprint in ultra-deep-water depths of During the session, the trading system plays an im- ing the public procurement interest. CEO of Qatar Petroleum, the country, and to further about 2,500 m, covering an minister reviewed the trade portant role in tackling many framework, enacting a new Commenting on the said, “With this second ex- strengthen our presence in area of approximately 12,300 policies of the State of Qatar challenges, especially with re- foreign investment law, and agreement, His Excellency ploration and production the southern Africa region. km2. in front of 164 member states gard to the mechanisms avail- amending its free zone re- of the World Trade Organiza- able to settle trade-related gime. Al Faleh to debut as QSE Venture Market’s first listed firm on April 13

Nebras has signed a partnership agreement with UDP Renewables and their parent holding company UFu- ture to become one of the first Middle East companies to enter Ukraine’s Power sector. The shares of Al Faleh will be Nebras Power announces listed with the major solar power acquisition symbol “FALH”

Tribune News Network and partnership in Ukraine Doha Tribune News Network The Qatar Stock Exchange Doha (QSE) announced that the shares of Al Faleh Educational Nebras Power announced Holding Company (Al Faleh) expanding into the Ukrainian will be admitted to trading in power market with the acqui- the market as of Tuesday (April sition of six solar projects and 13, 2021), after completing all a partnership agreement with the necessary technical and ad- UDP Renewables (UDPR) and ministrative procedures. their parent holding company Al Faleh Educational Hold- UFuture. ing Company will become the The share purchase agree- first company to be listed on ment, which was signed in QSE Venture Market (QEVM) Al Faleh will be traded in the same manner as those on the main market in terms of order types. Doha on Tuesday, will give Ne- dedicated for SMEs. bras the majority stake in the Al Faleh will be traded in second market using the direct The launch of the new mar- Abdulaziz Nasser Al-Ema- following photovoltaic assets: the same manner as those on listing option. ket comes within the frame- di, Director of QSE’s Listing “Scythia-Solar-1”, “Scythia- Nebras officials at the agreement signing event the main market in terms of There will be no change in work of QSE’s vision and Department, welcomed the list- Solar-2”, “Free-Energy Gen- order types, corporate actions the timing of the trading session strategy aimed at diversifying ing of the Al Faleh Educational ichesk”, “Port-Solar”, “Terslav” In addition to the acquisi- on clean and renewable en- and Settlement/ Clearing ar- on the listing day. Brokerage investment options and prod- Company in QEVM and the and “Sun Power Pervomaisk”, tion of the solar projects, Ne- ergy projects, will help Ukraine rangements. Pricing of Al firms will be allowed to enter ucts available to individual launch of the QEVM. He also all of which are operating com- bras and UDPR have also en- meet its green energy targets Faleh securities is exactly the buy and sell orders on the com- and institutional investors.” stressed his confidence that mercially. tered into a long-term strategic and assist its energy industry same as pricing mechanism of pany’s shares for the pre-open He stressed QSE’s pioneer- further companies will join the “Nebras has an ambi- partnership arrangement to in delving further into clean the stocks listed on the main period, as is usual at 9 AM. ing role in providing financing QEVM in the coming period tious global strategy, and the identify, develop and invest in energy sources as it looks to market. Investors do not need The QEVM will follow the and expansion opportunities and indicated that the compa- Ukrainian market represents greenfield and brownfield en- transition away from a reliance to obtain new investor num- same continuous trading pat- for growing Qatari SME’s, in nies eligible to join the QEVM an important milestone in our ergy projects in Ukraine. on fossil fuel power. ber to trade in Al Faleh shares tern as the main market. The line with Qatar National Vision should have an issued capital growth plan. Our commitment “This sales purchase agree- “By 2023 we will add more since no new investor numbers tick sizes for the QEVM Equi- 2030 and the State’s economic not below QR 2, and number of also remains focused not only ment signifies a fruitful conclu- to Ukraine’s green energy ca- (NIN’s) are required to be is- ties will be as same as those diversification policy, Al-Man- shareholders not less than 20 on delivering clean reliable en- sion of two-years of negotia- pacity, thus improving both sued for the investors who have for the main market. The stock soori added. who own no less than 10% of its ergy but also on contributing to tions on cooperation with the our country’s environment already existing numbers. The quotes of the QEVM will be The QEVM provides SME’s capital upon the listing. local communities and national State of Qatar and Nebras Pow- and its global economic com- orders in the QEVM are execut- broadcasted on a separate mar- with many advantages as it al- The launch of the new mar- economies of the countries we er. We are happy to be opening petitiveness. Thanks to Nebras ed through the brokers licensed ket watch at QSE website and lows them to diversify sources ket is the result of the strategic invest in. As always, we invest opportunities in the Ukrainian Power’s investments we will by QFMA. independent from the main of funding through access to initiatives and intense efforts not only in power, but we also market for a noted global pow- be producing more than 700 The shares of Al Faleh market screens. Trading vol- permanent equity capital whilst made by the QSE over the past invest in people and communi- er investment company and GW*h of clean electricity per will be listed with the symbol umes and other relevant data offering liquidity to financial, years to develop Qatar’s capi- ties,” said Mohammed Nasser are proud to become its reliable year, enough to power 310,000 “FALH”. The company’s share for the QEVM will be reported family or minority sharehold- tal market through continuous Al-Hajri, Chairman of Nebras partner. I am confident that to- average houses,” Nicholas Ty- price will be floated on the first on the QSE website on a daily ers as well as visibility, Al-Man- consultations with private and Power. gether we will be able to make moshchuk, CEO of UFuture day of trading, while it will be basis. soori explained. family-owned companies to “Nebras is always seeking our planet cleaner and greener said. allowed to fluctuate by 10% up Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, The QEVM is characterized identify their needs and offer to expand our global portfolio. for future generations,” Sergiy The arrangement exempli- and down starting from the sec- CEO of the Qatar Stock Ex- by the flexibility of the listing them suitable solutions and in- By expanding into Ukraine, we Yevtushenko, Managing Part- fies Nebras Power’s growing ond day of trading of the com- change, said, “The QE Venture requirements which suit small- centives for listing in the mar- are foraying into a robust new ner of UDP Renewables said. international asset portfolio pany’s shares. The founders’ Market (QEVM) will provide er entrepreneurial companies ket, Al-Emadi added. market that provides immense The collaboration between of sustainable strategic invest- data will be made available to a listing and trading venue for with a more limited track re- Al Faleh Educational Com- opportunity to deliver clean the two companies will pro- ments in power, water and the brokerage firms as of Sun- SME’s that do not fulfil listing cord and fewer resources to pany was established on May and longstanding power to mote a positive change in the renewables. Already the com- day (April 11) in preparation requirement of the main mar- meet the heightened investor 1, 2015, with authorised and businesses and residences and energy industry and the envi- pany has assets in Western for trading of the company’s ket. The QEVM provides an al- relations and corporate gov- issued capital of QR 240 mil- to generate returns on invest- ronment in Ukraine by reduc- Europe, Asia, the Middle East shares in order to allow them to ternative route to market for the ernance practices demanded in lion, as a public shareholding ments,” said Khalid M. Jolo, ing its carbon footprint. The & North Africa, Australia and receive buy and sell orders. The SME’s who need the access to the Main Market, Al-Mansoori company under incorporation, CEO of Nebras Power. partnership, which focuses Latin America. company will be listed in the capital that being listed entails.” added. which is 100% fully paid. Economy & Business Wednesday, April 7, 2021 09 The pitfalls of QFC has already met its 2022 politicising advanced tech objective, says Sheikh Fahad

he recent in-person ment used to produce com- trade talks between puter chips from Japan, With a 78% jump in firm under its fold in 2020, QFC sails past its 2020 target of 1,000 firms and stands at 1,200 TU.S. and Chinese of- South Korea, Taiwan and ficials have been described elsewhere in 2020, a 20% QNA as “tough” and “direct”, jump from 2019, with over Doha highlighting both the op- 50,000 new Chinese com- portunities—and tensions— panies related to semicon- With more than 1,200 com- between the world’s two ductors registered in 2020. panies joining its platform, largest economies. Never- China has also now an- the Qatar Financial Centre theless, U.S. Secretary of nounced tax breaks to spur (QFC) has already succeeded State Antony Blinken has growth of its semiconduc- in achieving its 2022 objective since said that it won’t de- tor industry following U.S. of having 1,000 firms under mand that its allies make sanctions. Companies like its fold, its Vice President of an us-or-them choice with Huawei have finished con- Financial Services Industry China, noting that the fu- struction on their first do- Sheikh Fahad bin Jassim Al ture is all about innovation, mestic chip-manufacturing Thani has said. not ultimatums. factory, and have recom- In an interview with Al- Such dialogue suggests mitted to huge R&D invest- Watan newspaper, Sheikh Fa- that there is an opportu- ments in areas such as AI, had pointed out that QFC saw nity for the warming of eco- cloud computing, 5G and a 78 percent jump in the num- nomic relations. “An opti- even 6G connectivity. ber of new firms joining its mistic read is that…behind While China is clearly QFC platform in 2020 over the closed doors, it will still be set to build its own tech- previous year. As many as 364 possible to make progress,” nology capabilities, the in- firms obtained QFC licence in noted Tom Orlik, the chief ternational community has 2020, compared to 200 regis- economist for Bloomberg also questioned the ration- tered in 2019, he said, noting Economics, on the recent ale of U.S. technology em- that this reflects the record bilateral talks. bargoes towards China. growth witnessed by the cen- Irrespective of what may Industry body SEMI has tre despite the repercussions have happened behind the noted how U.S. export con- of the COVID-19 pandemic. scenes, one important test trol regulations would “ulti- Sheikh Fahad said the of U.S.-China progress will mately undermine” the US passport service for financial be in the field of technology, national security interests institutions represents one of particularly semiconductor by harming the semicon- the most prominent new ser- QFC is a platform that allows registered companies to enjoy competitive benefits, such as up to 100 percent foreign ownership, 100 percent chipsets. With these chips ductor industry in the U.S. vices provided by QFC, and it repatriation of profits, 10 percent corporate tax on locally sourced profits, an extensive double taxation treaty network with over 80 countries. being the heart of nearly all and creating substantial is “simply like the dual-listing of our society’s modern dig- uncertainty in the semicon- of a company in two exchanges nomic incentives package countries including the US, ket. ital infrastructure, an un- ductor supply chain. Some simultaneously”. amounting to QR75 billion to the UK, France, Russia, India, Sheikh Fahad told Al Wa- precedented global short- European technology ex- HE pointed out that Tur- support private sector institu- Pakistan and others. tan that the centre is a promi- age in 2021 impacts both ecutives have accused the key was the first destination to tions, including micro, small 2020 saw the QFC’s QFC also continued to lev- nent platform that allows the U.S. and China—and U.S. of using the sanctions include a travel passport ser- and medium enterprises (MS- implementation of support erage its support to other firms registered companies to enjoy everyone else. against Chinese companies vice for financial institutions. MEs), which increased con- measures in the face of the in various sectors, namely competitive benefits, such as The chairman of Semi- to keep them away from If a company is registered in fidence of the business sector sports, media and financial up to 100 percent foreign own- conductor Manufacturing the market, according to QFC, it would be registered in and investors, and reflected COVID-19 outbreak, to services, registering 68 new- ership, 100 percent repatria- International Corp (SMIC) reports by the Financial the Istanbul Financial Centre positively on all companies in alleviate financial burdens comers from these sectors tion of profits, 10 percent cor- has recently noted that the Times, while the U.S. grants (IFC) and would have all the the local market, he said. on companies under its during the past year. porate tax on locally sourced world needs to deepen co- special exemptions to some advantages in each of the two Sheikh Fahad indicated umbrella. He pointed out that profits, an extensive double operation and give more of its own companies. For- centres, he said. that 2020 saw the QFC’s the QFC companies’ assets taxation treaty network with attention to innovation, mer US Attorney General QFC, he added, is cur- implementation of support Sheikh Fahad bin Jassim Al Thani amounted to more than QR61 over 80 countries, a legal en- and that only by doing that William Barr has even been rently studying mechanisms measures in the face of the billion at the end of last year, vironment based on English can the industry control the quoted as saying that some to achieve this vital goal by ex- COVID-19 outbreak, to allevi- noting that these companies common law and the right to challenges facing it. The private American business- panding the implementation ate financial burdens on com- be subject to the zero percent enjoy many competitive ad- trade in any currency, in addi- spread of COVID-19 and the es are actually the problem of this passport with a number panies under its umbrella. The Concessionary Rate under vantages, the first of which tion to many other advantages resulting disruption to sup- for not doing enough to of other financial centres. centre has announced support Part 15 of the Tax Regulations. is their benefit from the dis- of the work environment in ply chains has exacerbated maintain American techno- COVID-19 pandemic has measures to its companies, as He stressed that despite the tinctive location of the Qatar the local market, adding that the chip shortage. logical strength. negatively impacted econo- it extended deadline to file tax, challenges posed by the COV- Financial Centre, which rep- that Qatar Financial Centre That is significant as The bottom line is that mies around the world, but reduced the rate of the charge ID-19 pandemic on many sec- resents an important link be- contributes 1 percent of Qa- China is the world’s largest U.S.-China trade disputes Qatar managed the crisis in due on the late payment of tax tors, investment opportunities tween East and West and is a tar’s GDP, and its contribution buyer of semiconductors. are having serious global a “professional manner”, he (late payment charge) for a in the digital and technological distinctive platform for these to non-oil sector increased to China’s need to cut depend- repercussions in areas like said. specified period, and cancelled sector have increased, as QFC companies to expand their about 1.5 percent, which indi- ence on overseas chip com- technological innovation Following the outbreak, the fee imposed on eligible en- platform attracted about 91 business in a competitive tax cates its important role in di- panies became evident last and transformation. That the country allocated an eco- tities in the QFC that choose to new digital firms from diverse environment in the local mar- versifying the economy. year when U.S. sanctions on impacts countries like Qa- Huawei prevented it from tar, which are looking to sourcing components. In spur socio-economic de- the context of a global pan- velopment and COVID-19 demic, such trade policies recovery efforts through Churning stocks wobble a day after reaching record highs have contributed to stalled advanced digital solutions output of everything from coming from both the East Agencies up 0.1% as of 2:22 p.m. East- service sector stocks will make said Jeff Buchbinder, equity tion ramps up and the world new smartphones to auton- and West. ern, within striking distance of solid gains as the world moves strategist at LPL Financial. rebounds. The 190-country omous vehicles. As Peter Petri, a non- US stocks wobbled between another all-time high. Stocks past the pandemic and returns “We’re seeing this battle lending agency said it expects Chinese companies resident senior fellow at gains and losses on Wall Street within the index were nearly to some semblance of normal- play out here in markets every the world economy to expand have since sought to pro- Brookings and a professor in afternoon trading Tuesday evenly split between gainers cy. Gap rose 3.4%, while Wynn day,” he said. “That’s going to 6% in 2021, up from the 5.5% tect themselves from such of international finance at as investors shifted to a more and losers. The Dow Jones In- Resorts gained 4.7%. drive some churn.” it had forecast in January. technology limitations. the Brandeis International cautious mood a day after the dustrial Average fell 52 points, There’s been strong sup- Bond yields fell. The That would be the fastest ex- While China has already Business School, noted market reached its most re- or 0.2%, to 33,474 and the port for many of the sectors yield on the 10-year Treasury pansion in IMF records dating surpassed the U.S. as the nearly a year ago when U.S.- cent record high. Nasdaq rose 0.2%. and companies beaten down slipped to 1.65% from 1.72% back to 1980. world’s top filer for interna- China tensions were argua- Technology stocks slipped Much of the churn within by the pandemic as vaccine late Monday. That helped pull The Labor Department tional patents in 2020, the bly at their peak: “Dominat- after seesawing earlier in the the market is occurring as distribution helps businesses banks lower, as they rely on in the U.S. reported that job Chinese government has ing technology across the day. Financial stocks fell as Wall Street assesses the health reopen, while government higher yields to charge more openings reached the highest included an even greater board is not really rational. bond yields eased. That coun- and speed of the economic re- stimulus helps shore up busi- lucrative interest on loans. JP- level on record in February, self-reliance on technology We have too big a world, too tered broader gains from com- covery. Investors have been nesses in the interim. Even as Morgan Chase fell 0.9%. a harbinger of healthy hiring within its latest 5-year plan. complicated a set of ideas panies that are depending on weighing concerns about that shift occurs, technology The International Mon- and a hopeful sign for those Chinese businesses bought to deal with, and it will be continued economic growth to higher inflation as the econo- and other stocks that benefit- etary Fund expects global looking for work. That upbeat almost $32 billion of equip- enormously costly.” recover. my grows, along with expecta- ted from the shutdowns still economic growth to accelerate report follows encouraging re- The S&P 500 index was tions that retailers and other look fundamentally strong, this year as vaccine distribu- ports over the last week.

Online shopping platform Turkish Souq launched in Ankara with new universal look and feel

Tribune News Network During the trial Doha launch, several online pur- chases were made through Online shopping plat- the platform from over 50 form Turkish Souq was countries. Demand on the launched in Turkey’s capi- service is expected to grow tal Ankara on Tuesday from around the world with a new universal look during the coming weeks and feel in the context of as marketing begins. efforts of enhancing trade The Turkish Souq is cooperation between An- a modern platform for kara and Doha. e-commerce for Turkish The event was attend- commodities and prod- ed by Chairman and Man- ucts. Customers are now aging Director of Qatar able to buy high-quality Post Faleh al Naemi, who Turkish products any- represented the Ministry where in the world with of Transport and Commu- home delivery in Doha via nications (MoTC) of Qatar, Qatar Post. Turkish Minister of Trans- The platform is owned port and Infrastructure equally between Qatar Adil Karaismailoğlu and Post and PTT. It was first Turkey Post PTT (Posta made available for cus- ve Telgraf Teşkilatı) Cor- tomers in Qatar in Janu- poration Director-General ary 2018 and now it has Hakan Gülten. gone global. 10 Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Economy & Business IMF upgrades forecast for 2021 global growth to a record 6%

Agencies 1980. tabase, though not as severe as of vaccines is beginning to let Gopinath warned that the In 2022, the IMF predicts, the 3.5% drop it had estimated Americans return to restau- economic recovery is likely The rollout of COVID-19 vac- international economic growth three months ago. Without rants, bars, shops and airports to be uneven. The rebound is cines and vast sums of govern- will decelerate to a still strong $16 trillion in global govern- in larger numbers. expected to be slower in poor ment aid will accelerate global 4.4%, up from its January fore- ment aid that helped sustain The world’s second-largest countries that can’t afford mas- economic growth to a record cast of 4.2%. companies and consumers economy, China, which im- sive government stimulus and high this year in a powerful “A way out of this health during COVID-19 lockdowns, posed a draconian COVID-19 in those dependent on tourism. rebound from the pandemic and economic crisis is increas- IMF forecasters say, last year’s clampdown a year ago and got Economic damage from the recession, the International ingly visible,” IMF chief econo- downturn could have been a head start on an economic re- health crisis is “reversing gains Monetary Fund says in its lat- mist Gita Gopinath told report- three times worse. covery, will record 8.4% growth in poverty reduction″ and last est forecast. ers. The U.S. economy, the this year and 5.6% in 2022, the year increased the ranks of ex- The 190-country lending The agency’s economists world’s biggest, is now forecast IMF estimates. treme poor by 95 million com- agency said Tuesday that it ex- now estimate that the global to expand 6.4% in 2021 — its The monetary fund expects pared with pre-pandemic pro- pects the world economy to ex- economy shrank 3.3% in 2020 fastest growth since 1984 — the 19 countries that share the jections. pand 6% in 2021, up from the after the devastating recession and 3.5% in 2022. The U.S. euro currency to collectively She also predicted that 5.5% it had forecast in January. that followed the coronavirus’ growth is being supported by expand 4.4% this year and “many of the jobs lost are un- It would be the fastest expan- eruption across the world early President Joe Biden’s $1.9 tril- 3.8% in 2022. Japan is expect- likely to return” — because of sion for the global economy last spring. That is the worst International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva lion relief package, while an ac- ed to register 3.3% growth this trends accelerated by the pan- in IMF records dating back to annual figure in the IMF’s da- attends the Paris Peace Forum at The Elysee Palace in Paris. celeration in the administering year and 2.5% next year. demic.

US job openings in February reached QIB wins 4 titles at World’s highest rate on record Agencies Best Islamic Banks Awards The job openings rate The pace of job openings rose to 4.9%, the high- QIB named ‘Best reached the highest level est since the data was on record in February, a first tracked in Islamic Corporate harbinger of healthy hiring December 2000 Bank – Global’, ‘Best and a hopeful sign for those looking for work. Islamic Bank in the The job openings rate from 6.2%. — which is the number of Still, the job market is Middle East’, ‘Best available jobs as a percent- far from healed. Including Islamic Bank in Qa- age of the employed and the those who have lost jobs open jobs, combined — rose and stopped looking for tar’ and ‘Best Islamic to 4.9%, the highest since work, as well as misclas- Bank in Sudan’ the data was first tracked in sification of some unem- December 2000, the Labor ployed, the unemployment Department said Tuesday. rate would be roughly 9%. Tribune News Network The increase reflects a And there are still 9.7 Doha solid rise in open jobs to 7.4 million people counted as million, up from 7.1 million unemployed, or about 1.3 Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) in January and significantly people out of work for each has been recognised on a glob- above the pre-pandemic job opening. al, regional, and national level level of about 7 million. To- But the jump in avail- at the Global Finance Maga- tal hires rose to 5.7 million, able jobs suggests hiring zine’s World’s Best Islamic though that is below the may continue at the robust Banks Awards for 2021. figure in February 2020, levels seen in March. The After extensive consulta- just before the coronavirus Labor Department reported tions with bankers, corporate intensified. Friday that America’s em- financeexecutives and ana- The data come from the ployers unleashed a burst lysts, Global Finance’s edito- Job Openings and Labor of hiring last month, adding rial team awarded QIB with Turnover survey, or JOLTS, 916,000 jobs. four prestigious accolades in- which reports the number The biggest gain, ac- cluding ‘Best Islamic Corpo- cess in improving its position also continued offering its re- financial and advisory prod- of job listings, total hiring, cording to the JOLTS re- rate Bank – Global’ in addition as a leading Islamic bank on Selection tail customers the fastest and ucts and services to SMEs in and layoffs and quits. The port Tuesday, was in health to ‘Best Islamic Bank in the a global level, while continu- most secure ways to remotely all industries. hiring figures represent care, which posted 230,000 Middle East’ and ‘Best Islamic ously leading the local and re- criteria fulfilltheir banking needs Rated ‘A1’, ‘A-/A-2’ and a gross figure, while the more job openings than the Bank in Qatar’ for the second gional markets and being the in only 5 minutes, including ‘A’ by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch monthly jobs report pro- previous month. The belea- consecutive year. The bank industry’s benchmark when it ● Selection criteria opening a bank account, get- with stable outlooks, QIB has vides a net number of jobs guered leisure and hospi- has also received ‘Best Islamic comes to offering the best and included growth in assets, ting a personal financing, or achieved positive financial re- gained or lost. tality sector, which includes Bank in Sudan’. most digitally-enabled Sharia- profitability, geographic issuing a Credit Card via the sults for the year 2020. Last Friday, the govern- restaurants, hotels, bars, Selection criteria included compliant products and bank- reach, strategic QIB Mobile App. The bank has achieved net ment said a net 916,000 amusement parks and ca- growth in assets, profitabil- ing services.” relationships, new On the corporate banking profitattributable to share- jobs were added, the most sinos, also posted a healthy ity, geographic reach, strategic “Thanks to the support of level, QIB has improved the holders of QR3,065 million since August, and the un- increase of 160,000 job relationships, new business our board of directors, and business development and digital banking experiences for the fiscal year 2020 com- employment rate fell to 6%, openings. development and innovation with the dedication of all our innovation in products, in of its corporate customers pared to QR3,055 million for in products, in addition to employees, we have managed addition to reputation and with the launch of the QIB the year 2019, despite the reputation and customer sat- to stand by our customers in customer satisfaction. Corporate App as a conveni- impact of COVID-19 and the isfaction. This recognition also difficult times, and to be the ent, trusted, and safe way for decline in oil prices. The bank took into consideration the bank that relentlessly supports corporates to bank with QIB. maintained the basic earnings role of QIB and its contribu- the diversification and growth around the world,” Bassel said. The Bank is also the first Is- per share at QR1.21. tion to the growth of Islamic of the local economy across all In 2020, QIB has excelled lamic Bank in Qatar to launch Total assets of the bank financing in Qatar, the Mid- its sectors.” in upgrading its digital bank- an integrated Host-to-Host has increased by 6.6% com- dle East and beyond with the “Customer centricity and ing channels, namely the QIB (H2H) Online Payment Man- pared to 2019 and now stands launch of innovative Sharia- digital innovation will con- Mobile App with its 100+ agement solution for large at QR174.4 billion driven by compliant products and digital tinue being the backbone of features and services. QIB corporates, and the first to a growth in the core banking solutions that respond to the our business strategy, and we launched new digital products integrate postal delivery activities. Financing activities changing needs of both QIB’s will remain committed to re- exclusively via the Mobile App services on its Point of Sale registered a robust growth retail and corporate customers shaping the future of Sharia- to improve the banking ex- (PoS) machine. QIB has also by 4.7% over 2019 to reach in Qatar and abroad. compliant banking with more perience of its customers, in- succeeded in digitizing SME QR119.1 billion. Customer de- Commenting on this rec- market-first products and so- cluding the Domestic Workers financing and to automating posits of the bank now stand ognition, Bassel Gamal, QIB lutions that will bring seam- Digital Accounts, the Digital standard credit applications at QR118.1 billion registering The US job openings pace reached the highest level on record in Feb. Group CEO said, “Today’s rec- less banking experiences to Direct Remit Service, and the through its “Aamaly” program a growth by 5.8% compared to ognition re-affirms QIB’s suc- our customers in Qatar and mPay digital wallet. The bank designed to provide tailored December 2019. Ezdan Holding Group’s OGM and Bezos, Musk top Forbes’ billionaire list

EGM endorse matters on agendas Agencies equality as low-wage service workers in industries requir- Tribune News Network Forbes’ annual world’s bil- ing face-to-face contact lost Doha lionaires list includes a record- their jobs while white collar breaking 2,755 billionaires, workers could continue to Ezdan Holding Group held with Amazon.com Inc founder work remotely. its ordinary and extraordinary Jeff Bezos topping it for the The unemployment rate in general assembly meetings on fourth consecutive year, the the U.S. last month was 6%. Tuesday and approved the media company said on Tues- Prior to the COVID-19 shock Board of Directors recom- day. to the labor market, the un- mendation that no dividend The ranks of the ultra- employment rate in the U.S. be paid. wealthy are expanding after was at a historic low of 3.5% in The online meeting, a year in which the coronavi- February 2020. chaired by Vice Chairman rus pandemic upended world Forbes identified some Sheikh Abdullah bin Thani economies and threatened the 1,975 billionaires this year as bin Abdullah Al Thani, also livelihoods of people across “self-made,” in contrast to saw shareholders approved the globe. With a net worth of $177 billion, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos topped this 281 billionaires who inherited all the matters on the agenda, This year’s billionaires are year’s list for the fourth year in a row. their wealth and 499 billion- including the annual gen- worth a combined $13.1 tril- aires who inherited a substan- eral budget of the group and lion, up from $8 trillion last Bernard Arnault, chief ex- ecutives dominate the Forbes tial amount of wealth and then the statement of profits and year, Forbes said. ecutive of luxury goods firm rankings. grew it further. losses for 2020. The assembly “The very, very rich got LVMH, Microsoft founder This year’s list has 493 The U.S. has more billion- also approved the Group Gov- very, very richer,” said Forbes’ Bill Gates and Facebook Chief newcomers, including Whit- aires than any other country (a ernance Report for the year. an auditor for the Group for amendments and additions Chief Content OfficerR andall Executive Mark Zuckerberg ney Wolfe Herd, chief execu- total of 724), but China is not The meeting endorsed the year 2021 and determine to the Articles of Association Lane, in an interview with Re- round out the top five of the tive of dating app Bumble, far behind (with 698 billion- discharging the members of its fees. of Ezdan Holding Group, in uters Video News. world’s richest billionaires. which went public this year. aires), according to the Forbes the Board of Directors from The extraordinary gen- compliance with the govern- Tesla Chief Executive Elon Investor and business ty- Many economists have analysis. While the vast major- liability for the year ending eral assembly approved all ance code for companies and Musk jumped into second spot coon Warren Buffett fell out of warned that the pandemic ity are still men, there are 328 December 31, 2020, and the the matters on the agenda, legal entities listed on the on the list, up from 31st last the top five for the first time in has widened America’s wealth women billionaires this year, assembly agreed to appoint which included the proposed main market. year. over two decades, as tech ex- gap, exacerbating income in- compared to 241 in 2020. Wednesday, April 7, 2021 11 Economy & Business Can the global energy transition boost Africa’s COVID-19 recovery? While a number of sub-Saharan African countries continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels, the region is expected to benefit from the growing market for minerals central to this shift and the move towards renewable may result in a significant drop in demand for hydrocarbon fuels

Tribune News Network Doha

COVID-19 and the resulting fall in oil prices and demand has helped to accelerate a global shift towards renewable energy, Oxford Business Group (OBG) has said in its latest report. While a number of sub-Saharan African countries continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels, the report said, the region is expected to ben- efit from the growing market for minerals central to this shift. The move towards renewable energy technologies is likely to re- sult in a significant drop in global demand for hydrocarbon fuels like coal, oil and gas. In a sign of the impact that the pandemic could have on the energy market, the “World Energy Outlook 2020” report released by the Paris- based International Energy Agency (IEA) in October last year estimated that global energy investment fell by 18.3 percent last year. While investment in oil, coal and gas was projected to have fallen by 8.5 percent, 6.7 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively, investment in renewable projects was expected to increase by 0.9 percent. Looking forward, the report also included a projection model stating that renewables could meet 80 per- cent of all energy demand growth over the next decade, largely at the expense of coal and oil. Given that hydrocarbons ac- counted for 48.5 percent of sub-Sa- haran Africa’s exports between 1995 and 2018, the transition could have a significant impact on the region. The extraction industries ac- count for around 50 percent of GDP and 89 percent of exports in Angola, while in Nigeria, the continent’s largest oil and gas producer, the sec- tor makes up an estimated 86 per- cent of exports and generates $64.8 billion in revenue annually. While the shift is likely to cre- Renewables could meet 80 percent of all energy demand growth in sub-Saharan African countries over the next decade, largely at the expense of coal and oil. ate some short- to medium-term challenges for sub-Saharan African battery production, cobalt demand According to estimates re- be key to the post-coronavirus countries, the transition to renewa- is set to grow by 60 percent by 2025, The extraction industries account for around 50 percent of leased by the IMF in January, the rebound as governments look for bles is also expected to provide op- according to research from McKin- GDP and 89 percent of exports in Angola, while in Nigeria, regional sub-Saharan economy new growth drivers. portunities for the expansion of sey. Given that an estimated 60-70 was expected to have contracted While hydrocarbons have his- mining. percent of the world’s cobalt sup- the continent’s largest oil and gas producer, the sector by 2.6 percent last year, with the torically made up around half of Indeed, given the abundance of plies are located in the Democratic makes up an estimated 86 percent of exports and generates two largest economies – Nigeria sub-Saharan Africa’s exports, com- minerals in the region, sub-Saharan Republic of the Congo (DRC), the $64.8 billion in revenue annually. and South Africa – shrinking by pared to an estimated 23 percent for Africa is in a unique position to ben- country stands to benefit from this 3.2 percent and 7.5 percent, re- mineral energy materials (MEMs), efit from this expected explosion in development. spectively. there has been a shift in this dynam- demand. Indeed, in January last year tion of electric vehicle and renew- comes in ninth with 2.6%. Although the region’s fall was ic in recent times that potentially Cobalt is one of the minerals key the government created Entreprise able energy batteries. Similarly to Meanwhile, with regard to cop- less severe than the global contrac- bodes well for the future. to this transition. Aside from being Generale du Cobalt, a state-owned cobalt, there are major reserves of per, which is a highly efficientcon - tion of 3.5 percent, the recovery After increasing rapidly over the used in medical imaging, cancer ra- company designed to purchase all the minerals across Africa. duit used in solar, wind, hydro and is also expected to be significantly late 1990s and 2000s, hydrocarbon diotherapy and the sterilisation of artisanal mining operations in the Prior to the pandemic, Zimba- thermal energy systems, the DRC is slower than in other parts of the earnings have almost halved since medical equipment, cobalt is a key country, in an effort to improve ef- bwe was the fifth-largest producer the world’s fourth-highest producer, world. The IMF has forecast global 2014, while the value of MEMs has input in the rechargeable batteries ficiency in the often informal non- of lithium in the world and had the behind Chile, Peru and China. growth of 5.5 percent and 4.2 per- continued to grow steadily, rising of laptops and smartphones. industrial mines. sixth-largest reserves of the mineral, Offsetting the expected fall in oil cent this year and next, with the seven-fold since 1995. It is also a component in the lith- Elsewhere, Zambia, South Africa with an estimated 220,000 tonnes. and gas demand will be key to the figures in sub-Saharan Africa being Coupled with an increase in in- ium ion batteries that power electric and Morocco have significant cobalt In terms of Nickel, Zimbabwe long-term economic recovery of a just 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent. vestment, the growing demand for vehicles and store energy from solar, reserves. is the second-largest exporter, ac- number of African countries, many In light of this, the develop- MEMs could ensure that sub-Saha- wind and other renewable sources. Lithium, nickel and copper are counting for 16 percent of the of which were badly affected by the ment or expansion of emerging ran Africa is a major beneficiary of Closely linked to the growth in also key components in the produc- world’s exports, while Côte d’Ivoire fallout of COVID-19. industries such as mining could the energy transition.

Germany’s Scholz calls for taxation of digital services

DPA & Agencies tionally. namic that we have been wait- the FSB recommended a week. Berlin Scholz’s planned global ing for a long time,” Scholz flexible approach that with- “Prematurely withdraw- tax reform consists, among said. The US support gave the draws relief gradually in a se- ing temporary measures German Finance Minister other things, of a global mini- initiative “a very decisive tail- quenced way to avoid a “cliff designed to support bank Olaf Scholz is pushing for a mum tax. The second pillar wind.” edge” effect from simultane- lending could lead to an un- swift agreement on a global is a digital tax, which would Meanwhile FSB, which ous expiries. intended tightening of bank tax reform for internation- require internet giants such coordinates financial rules Withdrawals could be lending.” (Graphic: FSBCOV- ally active corporations, with as Amazon, Google or Apple for the G20 group of rich na- based on narrowing the scope ID Graphic, ) France also calling for the to pay taxes not only at their tions, said the speedy, size- of relief measures, requiring FSB Chair Randal Quar- taxation of digital services. headquarters but also in the able and sweeping measures beneficiaries to opt in, making les, said in a letter to G20 “It just has to succeed this countries where they gener- introduced by governments the support progressively less members there were signs year,” he said on Tuesday ate their sales. in the past year have limited generous, and sequencing the of an emerging “inflection ahead of a videoconference France’s Finance Minister economic fallout from the expiry of different relief. point” as vaccines are rolled of the G20 finance minis- Bruno Le Maire said govern- COVID-19 shock, but phas- A “state-contingent” ap- out, albeit at different paces. ters of the world’s leading ments “must seize this histor- ing them out will also present proach rather than a pre- “While it is sensible to economies. ic opportunity,” welcoming risks given continued uncer- announced timetable for keep measures that support His central concern was Yellen’s push. tainties. withdrawal could help to financial system stability and the taxation of the digital “We also want to move Despite the arrival of minimize long-term financial financing of the real economy economy. Scholz said, “This forward with Janet Yellen on vaccines, the withdrawal of stability risks, the FSB said. in place as long as needed, the agreement is also possible in the taxation of digital services relief measures is not immi- “For many support meas- factors to be considered in the summer.” in order to reach a compre- German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz nent given the pandemic is ures, authorities need to deciding whether to extend, Earlier in the week US hensive deal at the OECD this worse in some countries than take a decision on whether amend and, eventually, end Treasury Secretary Janet summer,” Le Maire said. administration of Joe Biden is tions of the Organization for had been anticipated a few to extend, amend or unwind support measures are taking Yellen called for a global min- While former US presi- more open and is counting on Economic Cooperation and months ago, the FSB said. them,” the FSB said in its shape,” said Quarles, who is imum corporate tax rate for dent Donald Trump had re- a compromise solution within Development (OECD). In a report to help G20 report for G20 finance min- also vice chair for supervision companies that work interna- jected the digital tax, the new the framework of the negotia- “We now have a new dy- countries exit the measures, isters meeting virtually this at the US Federal Reserve. Nabeel Al QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Rayyan and QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Safira Al Dohul win stallion, mare golds page 14

WEDNESday, APRIL 7, 2021

UEFH A C AMPIONS LEAGUE: Man City edge it over Dortmund, Liverpool slump at Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior (C) scores a goal during the UEFA Champions League first leg quarter-final match against Liverpool at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Valde- bebas in the out- skirts of Madrid on Tuesday. Junior scored a brace as Real Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1. (AFP)

Manchester City’s English midfielder Phil Foden (2L) scores his team’s second goal in the 90th minute during the UEFA Cham- pions League first leg quarter-final match against Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, on Tuesday. Manchester City won 2-1. (AFP) Al Sadd continue unbeaten run; AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Al Ahli held by QSC but stay 4th Zhar responded for Al Ahli by Al Khor hold racing into the opposition’s area before being trapped by Duhail to 1-1 Nasir and Bashar. Qatar SC’s Elmehdi Bar- draw rahma received the first yellow Qatar’s Al Gharafa will meet Uzebkistan’s FC AGMK in the 2021 play- Tribune News Network card of the match for a danger- off at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium on Wednesday evening. Doha ous tackle against Nasser Saleh Al Khalfan in the 15th minute. The unbeaten run of this Al Ahli took charge from Al Gharafa, AGMK seek year’s champion and runa- then on and made attempts way leaders in the QNB Stars through Abdulrasheed and League continued as Santi Ca- Nasser Saleh, whose shot was group stage cheer zorla’s lifted Al Sadd to a 2-1 superbly saved by Qatar SC win over Al Rayyan at the Jas- goalkeeper Jassim al-Hail AFC/TNN ahead of the continental clash. sim Bin Hamad Stadium on with a dive on his right. A long- Doha Al Gharafa were perennial Tuesday. range shot from captain Omid AFC Champions League par- While the prolific Baghdad Ebrahimi hit the upright. Hosts Al Gharafa will be ticipants in their heyday in the Bounedjah scored in the fourth Al Ahli were finally reward- seeking victory on home second half of the 2000s, ap- minute for the winners, Yohan ed for their efforts five minutes soil against Uzebkistan’s FC pearing in all but one edition Boli scored the equaliser for before half-time, with Abdul- AGMK in the 2021 playoff at between 2006 and 2012. How- Rayyan in the 28th minute. rasheed’s angular shot from the the Suheim Bin Hamad Sta- ever, they found success in the But Rayyan’s hopes of a rare right finding the target, leaving dium on Wednesday evening. competition difficult to come victory against Al Sadd were no chance for Al Hail. Nasser That would signal a return by, progressing past the group dashed as Spanish star Cazorla Khalfan assisted in the goal with to the group stage for the first stage on only one occasion. converted a penalty in the 66th a superbly-placed pass in the time since 2018 for a club that The Qataris best campaign minute, which was awarded to presence of many defenders. once appeared in five consecu- was the 2010 AFC Champions the Wolves after Ali Asad was In stoppage time of the first tive editions of the AFC Cham- League. Back then, they topped fouled by Frank Kom. half, referee Saoud Ali al-Ath- pions League. Group A and found themselves With this victory, Sadd ba overturned his decision of a Meanwhile, FC AGMK are facing Uzbek opponents in have 57 points with just one red card to Qatar SC’s Youcef hoping to become the seventh Pakhtakor in the Round of 16. match remaining in the sea- Belaili for hitting Ali Ghaderi, different side from Uzbekistan Clemerson Araujo’s goal was son. Rayyan, meanwhile, stay following consultation with to reach the AFC Champions the difference as Al Gharafa third with 34th points, just Santi Cazorla (2nd left) celebrates with teammates after scoring Al Sadd’s second goal against Al Rayyan VAR. Both were cautioned af- League group stage. advanced into the quarter-fi- one point ahead of Al Ahli and in the QNB Stars League at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday. ter Ghaderi was found guilty of AGMK qualified for the nals where they came close to two more than Qatar SC. pulling Belaili first. 2021 AFC Champions League reversing a 3-0 first-leg defeat In another match, Al Du- Belaili’s shot on target was playoff after finishing third in against Al Hilal of Saudi Ara- hail were held to a 1-1 draw picked comfortably by Al Ahli last season’s Uzbekistan Su- bia, but ultimately fell short, by Al Khor at the Hamad bin keeper Yazan Naim as Qatar per League. Should they come losing 5-4 on aggregate. Khalifa stadium. SC pushed for an equaliser away from Doha with a win, That 2010 Round of 16 Dudu opened the scoring for after the match was resumed. they would join FC Pakhtakor, game was the last of three Duhail in the 49th minute, but Following the red card to FC Bunyodkor, PFC Lokomo- matches Al Gharafa played Greek midfielder Ioannis Fet- Ceballos, Al Ahli looked to tiv, FC Nasaf and FC Neftchi against Uzbek opponents, all fatzidis gave Al Khor a valuable double their lead and a bril- Fergana as clubs that have being against Pakhtakor. The point by converting a penalty in liant effort by Nasser Saleh represented Uzbekistan in the two sides had been drawn in the 65th minute. Duhail have al- was well-blocked by the goal- competition. the same group in 2008 with ready assured second place, but keeper. Al Gharafa qualified for the the spoils shared in a 2-2 draw the relegation threat still hangs The depleted Qatar SC playoff after finishing fourth in Doha and Pakhtakor emerg- over Al Khor. They are in 11th were also racing well in Al Ah- in the 2019-20 Qatar Stars ing 2-0 winners in Tashkent. place with 16 points, two behind li’s box, but they were miss- League. Since then, their form Al Gharafa’s rally to third Umm Salal, who take on Al Sail- ing execution until Bashar has dipped slightly and they place last season was pro- iya on Wednesday. levelled the score for them. In currently find themselves sixth pelled by the partnership of Earlier, Al Ahli were held a move from the right flank in the league table, but AFC Qatari international Ahmed to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Qatar initiated by Belaili, Hamed Champions League qualifica- Alaeldin and Ivorian striker SC in a match which was sig- Ismail, with a back pass, set tion hopes remain alive as they Jonathan Kodjia. The pair nificant for both side’s top four up Beshar, who made no mis- sit four points behind Al Rayyan combined to score 17 league hopes. Bashar Resan (74th take with a hit from just in- in third with two games to go. goals in 2019-20 and have minute) levelled the score for Action from the Al Ahli-Qatar Sports Club clash which ended in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday. side the box. A major concern for the been equally as influential Qatar SC after Abdulrasheed There were more exchanges Qataris will be their recent this campaign. Ibrahim (40th minute) had for kicking Hernan Perez on Ahli are fourth with 33 points, well to enter the box soon af- late into the match and substi- form heading into the AGMK Growing into his creative put Al Ahli ahead. his chest while vying for ball while Qatar SC are a point ter the kick-off, but he got little tute Hazem Ahmed missed a tie. Head coach Slavisa Jo- role at the club is Korea Re- Qatar SC were reduced to possession during the hotly- behind in fifth with just one support from team-mates as golden chance to score the win- kanovic’s men lost their last public midfielder Koo Ja-cheol 10 men on the hour mark after contested match. round remaining in the league. Al Ahli defenders were in place ner for Al Ahli in the last min- three league games and have who will be looking to chan- Cristian Ceballos was sent off Following the draw, Al Qatar SC’s Nasir Peer did to fend off the attack. Nabil El ute as both sides split points. just one win in their last six. nel his experience of nearly a Whereas the Qatar Stars decade in European football League is just away from conclu- spent in Germany to support sion, AGMK’s domestic season his team’s cause in the AFC has just begun, and they find Champions League. Al Arabi and Al Kharitiyat coaches exude confidence themselves in fourth place with Navigating unmapped terri- seven points collected from their tory, AGMK can call on the tal- QNA Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium at press conference on Tuesday. are satisfied with the perfor- satisfied with our current posi- opening four matches. ents of a trio of foreign players. Doha Al Ahli club. He added, “My mission as mance this season, and we tion, but in the end the coach Starting the season with Ukrainian forward Alek- “We will work to enhance a coach is to rehabilitate the made good performances in bears the responsibility for his an important win over Loko- sandar Kasyan (pictured be- Icelandic coach Himir the confidence of the players players psychologically and many matches, and in general choices of the players who play, motiv, AGMK dropped four low) was recruited at the start Hallgrimson confirmed the during the coming period to we wanted to play the last two it was not a bad performance, but we have an opportunity points from their next two of the season after impressing readiness of his team to face finish the season in good form, matches in the league with high in light of the presence of many to prove where we want to be games, drawing away to Na- for fellow Uzbek side Surk- Al Kharitiyat in the 21st round after our chances of competing spirits, especially after we were absences in the team and im- in the fifth or sixth place or to saf and losing 3-0 at home to hon Termez. He is joined by of the QNB Stars League for the top four and the morale disappointed that we did not get portant players we lost, and this retreat to ninth place. It is our Pakhtakor, but they bounced combative Serbian midfielder 2020-2021season, which of the players diminished,” one of the first four places.” is why we know why we started choice to decide where we want back with a win over PFC Jovan Dokic and flamboyant will be held on Wednesday at Hallgrimson said during the Al Arabi coach added: “we the season badly.” We are not to end the season.” Navbahor to lift their morale Dutch winger Alvin Fortis. Sports Wednesday, April 7, 2021 13 North Korea withdraws from Tokyo Olympics

The Japanese Olympic organ- Decision taken izing committee in Tokyo re- sponded with a brief statement. to “protect “We will continue to pre- Race for AFC CL pare for the Games by work- athletes from ing closely with related or- the global ganizations so athletes from and AFC Cup group each country and region can health crisis” demonstrate their best perfor- mances,” the committee said. stage slots begin DPA Seoul meanwhile expressed Seoul regret over the decision. AFC will mark its eagerly antici- “The government hoped to Kuala Lumpur pated return after more than a North Korea has officially advance peace on the Korean year when Nepal’s Tribhuvan cancelled its participation in Peninsula and reconciliation and The exciting and biggest-ever Army FC take on Sri Lanka’s this summer’s Olympic Games cooperation between the two editions of the AFC Champi- SL Police SC in the Prelimi- and Paralympics in Tokyo due Koreas through the Tokyo Olym- ons League and AFC Cup get nary Stage at the Dashrath to the coronavirus pandemic, pics,” South Korea’s Unification underway on Wednesday with Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal a website run by the country’s Ministry said, adding that it was aspiring clubs eyeing a coveted at 5.30pm on April 7 with the sports ministry said. regrettable that this was not pos- place in the Group Stage. winners facing India’s JSW On Tuesday, the Interna- sible due to the pandemic. Qatar’s Al Gharafa and Bengaluru FC on April 14. tional Paralympic Committee The two Koreas had used Uzbekistan’s AGMK FC will Club Eagles from Maldives (IPC) said it received “con- the 2018 Winter Olympics in kick-off the first play-off match will also be in action against firmation from the National Pyeongchang, South Korea, to as they aim to be part of Asia’s Bhutan’s Thimphu City FC Paralympic Committee (NPC) draw closer despite political leading 40 clubs in the AFC at the National Stadium in of North Korea that they will challenges and are biddin to Champions League Group Stage Male at 4pm where the winner not compete at Tokyo 2020.” host the 2032 Games. when they meet at the Suhaim meets Bangladesh’s Abahani “It goes without saying that Sport has been virtu- Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Limited Dhaka. the IPC want as many coun- ally unaffected by sanctions Qatar at 6.20pm (local time). The first of the AFC Cup tries as possible to compete at on North Korea imposed by 2007 AFC Champions play-offs will be between Pal- Tokyo 2020 and we are work- the United Nations Security League Semi-finalist Al Wah- estine’s Al Ama’ari Center and ing hard with our NPCs re- Council over the country’s nu- da FSCC from the United Arab Kuwait SC which will take garding qualification and clas- clear weapons programme. Emirates (UAE) will also be in place at the Faisal Al-Husseini sification ahead of the Games In Pyeongchang, North action on the same day when Stadium on April 20 at 10pm. to maximise participation. Korea was represented by 22 they host Iraq’s Al Zawraa The AFC Champions “We are also working North Korea’s delegation during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana athletes, including 12 female Club at the Al Nahyan Stadium League (West) Group Stage will closely with Tokyo 2020, IOC, stadium in Rio de Janeiro. North Korea will not attend this year’s Tokyo Olympics because of the ice hockey players on a joint at 7.40pm. start on April 14 while the AFC Japanese Government and To- coronavirus pandemic, Pyongyang’s sports ministry has said. (AFP) team with South Korea. The action continues when Cup Group Stage begins on kyo Metropolitan Government Leader Kim Jong Un sent Saudi Arabia’s Al Wehda FC May 14 with both competitions on measures to stage safe and “protect our athletes from the reported a single coronavirus from the obligation to partici- high-ranking delegations to the face three-time AFC Cup win- played in centralised venues. secure Games this summer,” global health crisis” caused by case, but observers assume pate in the Olympic Games in opening and closing ceremo- ners Air Force Club from Iraq In the East Region, the the IPC added. the coronavirus. that the virus is present there. accordance with the Olympic nies, as well as a large orchestra at the King Abdulaziz Sports AFC has postponed the AFC As for the Olympic Games, There was no official con- The Tokyo Olympics are Charter”. and a taekwondo show troupe City in Makkah at 8.45pm Champions League Group the North Korea National firmation from the authori- due to start on July 23 and the The IOC added the reports for the supporting programme. while Foolad Khouzestan FC Stage matches, which are now Olympic Committee (NOK) ties in isolated North Korea Paralympics on August 24 after had to be put into context and Bilateral sports exchanges from the Islamic Republic of scheduled to take place from made the decision on March and the International Olympic being postponed to this summer said it already tried several were initially expanded after Iran go up against Al Ain FC June 21 to July 11, taking into 25, according to the official Committee (IOC) also said it due to the pandemic. times to contact the NOK. the events. Lately, however, from the UAE on April 10 at consideration the existing Sports in the Democratic Peo- has not received formal notice The IOC reacted with sur- However, the NOK was such attempts at rapproche- the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Sta- travel restrictions and quar- ple’s Republic of Korea website. of the decision. prise to the announcement, “not in a position to hold a con- ment have faltered in sport and dium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. antine challenges posed by the The committee report- North Korea is one of the saying the NOK hasn’t submit- ference call to discuss the Cov- beyond, amid the wider failure Meanwhile, the AFC Cup COVID-19 pandemic. edly said the decision was to few countries that has not yet ted a request “to be released id-19 situation in North Korea.” to make political headway. PSG coach Pochettino admits Munich, Rome hope to host revenge a factor against Bayern Euro 2020 games with fans DPA DPA Munich/Rome Munich Euro 2020 host cities Mu- Paris Saint-Germain take on nich and Rome hope to stage Bayern Munich on Wednesday games at the tournament de- in the last eight of the Champi- layed to this summer with fans ons League with last season’s in the stadium despite the cor- defeat in the final both irrele- onavirus pandemic. vant and impossible to ignore. “The German football fed- “The circumstances eration (DFB) and the host city are now completely differ- of Munich continue to plan for ent,” said PSG coach Mauricio UEFA Euro 2020 with various Pochettino – who was not yet scenarios regarding possible in charge when his side lost 1-0 spectators in the stadium. Ac- to Bayern under former boss cordingly, the documents will Thomas Tuchel – on Tuesday. now also be submitted,” the “But when it comes to city told the dpa on Tuesday. A file photo taken on October 12, 2019 shows Italy’s supporters wav- sporting revenge, of course Which scenario could be ing flags during the UEFA Euro 2020 Group J qualifier between Italy that is always there.” implemented would depend and Greece at the Olympic stadium in Rome. The Italian government The nature of the contest is on the pandemic situation in gave its green light to the presence of spectators during the matches also different with a first leg in June and July. Munich will of the upcoming Euro 2021 tournament scheduled at the Olympic Munich followed by a return in host three group stage games stadium in Rome, including the opening match on June 11, the Italian Paris next week rather than a and one quarter-final match at Football Federation said on Tuesday. (AFP) one-off clash in Lisbon. Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. But like then fans will be “It’s certainly conceivable from Health Minister Roberto for hosting the matches. excluded from the mouth-wa- and desirable that spectators Speranza that this should be “We set April 7 as a dead- tering encounters due to the can be in the stadium for the the goal, a statement said. line, so it’s pleasing that all coronavirus pandemic. four games in Munich.” The Gravina spoke of an “ex- cities have already responded Pochettino expects a stiff city also assured “a withdraw- ccellent result” which was positively,” UEFA tournament challenge from Bayern despite al was and is not an issue from good for the country and not director Martin Kallen told striker Robert Lewandowski Munich’s point of view.” only football. Danish channel TV3 Sport at being out with a knee injury The Italian football fed- Experts in the Italian the beginning of the week. and winger Serge Gnabry test- eration (FIGC) is also in talks government are working on After the postponement to ing positive for the coronavirus. Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (L), Argentinian midfielder Angel Di Maria (R) and French with the Italian government the “best solution” to how fans this summer due to the coro- “The strength of Bayern forward Kylian Mbappe during a training session in Munich, Germany, on Tuesday, the eve of the UEFA about allowing fans into can be permitted to attend. navirus pandemic, the Euro is in the whole collective,” he Champions League quarter-final first leg match against FC Bayern Munich.( AFP) Rome’s Olympic Stadium for Earlier this week, Euro- 2020 is set to start on June 11. said. “If you’ve won the Cham- matches which include the pean ruling body UEFA had The tournament is set to kick pions League and Club World “Lewandowski and Gnabry with these situations.” enzi due to coronavirus infec- opening game. said that the twelve host cities off in Rome on June 11 when Cup like Bayern, it’s to do with are good players but it’s the PSG are without Marco tions while Leandro Paredes FIGC president Gabriele - including Munich and Rome Italy host Turkey. The final is a good squad. same for us. You have to deal Verratti and Alessandro Flor- is suspended. Gravina has received word - had submitted their concepts July 11 at Wembley in London.

Quick read FIFA chief Infantino: football crucial in post-Covid world Manchester City report $175 mn loss Osaka cancels Tokyo Olympic torch relay for 2019-20 campaign Berlin: FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes there is “light at the end of the tunnel” amid the Tokyo: Authorities in Osaka told Olympic organizers they had coronavirus pandemic and that football can play “play a central role in bringing communities together.” London: Manchester City made a net loss of 126 million pounds decided not to hold the leg of the torch relay in the western Japa- Writing a guest piece in the UN Chronicle magazine on April 6 for the United Nations celebrating the (175 million dollars) for the coronavirus-hit 2019-20 season, the nese city of Osaka due to a spike in coronavirus infections. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the world football chief said vaccines meant life club’s annual report has revealed. Osaka prefectural government formally requested the torch relay would again be lived without the “constraints imposed by the pandemic. Delayed income from fixtures and players sales - the proceeds of for the Tokyo Games scheduled in the city next week be cancelled, “Through football, we will be able to get back in shape physically, socialise with our teammates and Leroy Sane’s switch to Bayern Munich are not included in the most the Olympic organizing committee said on Monday. The government rivals, and fill stadiums again,” the 51-year-old Infantino wrote. recent set of accounts – and season card refunds resulted in an issued a semi-state of emergency over the Covid-19 pandemic in “We will regain some of what was lost in the past year and hopefully bring back joy and smiles.” 11 per cent reduction in revenue. Osaka and two other prefectures on Monday amid fears of a new FIFA, he said, wanted to help the recovery from the pandemic beyond the sport itself. However, City expect an immediate return to profit for the current wave of the coronavirus. Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said “Football and society have a symbiotic relationship: what is good for society is good for football and campaign and are forecasting a loss of less than 60 milion pounds on Monday prefectural government officials were in talks with the vice versa,” said Infantino. (DPA) a year over the two terms. (DPA) organizing committee concerning alternate solutions. (DPA) 14 Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Sports HH Sheikh Mohammed’s Big Five makes it five in five at Chantilly

Tribune News Network Ridden by Olivier Peslier, “I am delighted as Big Doha the 4-year-old gelding jumped Five confirms that he has well to travel in mid-division. quality. He is an interesting Bred-and-owned by His In the first turn, he took a pull stayer as he can really ac- Highness Sheikh Mohammed to his right, losing ground to celerate even when running bin Khalifa Al Thani, Big Five sit second last. over long distances. He will (GB) (Frankel x Louvain) is Once in the straight, he run in the Prix de Barbeville shaping up into a top-class showed an excellent turn (Gr3) on 2nd May at Paris- staying prospect. of foot down the centre of Longchamp,” he added. On Monday, Big Five the track to bypass the entire Big Five is by the incom- stretched his unbeaten record field with apparently very parable and record-breaking to five wins in as many starts little effort. Frankel. when taking the feature race He won by 5½ lengths, He is out of Louvian, of the day at Chantilly, the easing down to pass the post, making him a brother to HH Prix Right Royal (Listed) for in front of Alkuin (Maxios x Sheikh Mohammed bin Khal- 4-year-olds and older over Almerita), who battled to take ifa Al Thani’s champion filly 3,000 metres in very impres- second by a head from Rich- Flotilla, winner of the Group sive fashion. emont (Anodin x Harmonie). 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fil- This was his second list- “He has won like a good lies Turf and French Classic ed victory and first Stakes horse”, said Trainer Francis- Group 1 Poule d’Essai des success. Henri Graffard. Pouliches. Big Five stretched his unbeaten record to five wins in as many starts when taking the feature race of the day at Chantilly on Monday.(Pic: Scoopdyga)

6th Qatar National Arabian Peninsula Horse Show Pant says will use experience, learnings from Dohi vs CSK ANI learnings from MS Dhoni, and Mumbai try to do something different Nabeel Al Rayyan and Safira Al against CSK,” he added. Newly-appointed Delhi Pant will step in as skip- Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant per for the 14th edition of the will focus on the learnings he tournament as regular skip- gained from former Indian skip- per Shreyas Iyer hurt his left per MS Dhoni to be at par with shoulder during the India- Dohul win stallion, mare golds him during the team’s opening England ODI series. match against Chennai Super The wicket-keeper bats- Kings (CSK) in the Indian Pre- man, who has scored 2,079 mier League (IPL) on Saturday. runs in 68 IPL matches, ex- The wicketkeeper-bats- pressed that he is excited to man is really looking forward lead the Delhi Capitals in the to playing against Dhoni’s CSK cash-rich league and is looking on Saturday. “My first match forward to making the most of as captain will be against Mahi the opportunity. (MS Dhoni) bhai. It will be a “I would like to thank all good experience for me as I the coaches and the owners for have learned a lot from him,” giving me this opportunity and said Pant in a video posted on I am looking forward to mak- Delhi Capitas’ Twitter handle. ing most of this opportunity. “I have my own experience We haven’t won a title yet and as a player as well. I’ll apply I will try my level best to get a my own experience and the title this year,” said Pant.

Pistons bounce back with

Al Marroona Stud’s Nabeel Al Rayyan being displayed on the second Ahmed Salem Al Ali, Director of Programs, The Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), with members of Sen- and concluding day of the 6th Qatar National Arabian Peninsula Horse 132-108 win over Thunder ior Stallions Championship gold winner Al Marroona Stud’s Nabeel Al Rayyan team at Al Shaqab on Tuesday. Show at the Longines Arena of Al Shaqab on Tuesday. TCA/DPA Theo Maledon (14 points) Detroit and former Piston Svi Tribune News Network front of Nasser Mohammed Al Mykhailiuk helped keep the Doha Hajri’s Turky Umm Aludham After a stinker of a game, Thunder (20-30) in the game, (6 points). the Pistons bounced back with but the Pistons had good of- Al Marroona Stud’s Nabeel Al In the Junior Fillies Cham- a gem. fensive balance, with seven Rayyan and Al Nawasi Stud’s pionship, Al Sraiya Stud’s Ray- The way this season has players scoring in double fig- Safira Al Dohul were adjudged ana Alsraiya won gold with 21 gone, the Pistons will take ures, including Sekou Doum- as the Gold Stallion Champion points after four judges marked wins any way they can get bouya, who had a season-high and Gold Mare Champion re- the grey filly for the win. them, even if it’s against an- 14 points. spectively as the 6th Qatar In a close finish, Al Jaham other struggling team. The Pistons finished the National Arabian Peninsula Stud’s Bedayat Ibn Salamah The Pistons had a solid de- first quarter with a 30-19 lead Horse Show for Individual took silver, after three judges fensive effort and quieted the and started with the first 12 Owners concluded successful- marked her for the win. Ab- Oklahoma City Thunder, 132- points of the second quarter, ly at the Longines Indoor Are- dulla Jassim Al Buainain’s 108, on Monday night in the with a drive and a 3-pointer na at Al Shaqab on Tuesday. Farha Ainain completed the first game of their five-game by Frank Jackson and a lay-in The two-day event saw al- top three with 7 points. western road trip, which con- by Doumbouya. The Thunder most 200 entries. Omran Mohammed Dar- tinues Tuesday in Denver. answered with a 12-0 run, in- Al Marroona Stud’s Nabeel wish, QREC PR & External On Saturday night, the cluding six straight points by Al Rayyan was adjudged the Communication Director, pre- Pistons fell to the New York Justin Robinson (nine points). gold champion in the Senior HE Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani honours the winners of Al Nawasi Stud’s Safira Al Dohul which sented the trophies to the win- Knicks in a 44-point blitzkrieg Mykhailiuk had seven points Stallions Championship, spon- topped the Senior Mares Championship and was awarded gold. ners of the round. but turned the tables on the in the second period and the sored by The Social & Sport Junior Colts Champion- Thunder with better shooting Pistons’ lead was 58-47 enter- Contribution Fund (Daam). ship saw the medal winners and improved defense. ing halftime. Winner of Class 11 for 7+yo bunched together in a close Jerami Grant had 21 In the third quarter, the Stallions earlier on Tuesday, result with all three receiv- points, five rebounds and five Pistons pulled away, with an the grey horse amassed 23 ing two nominations each for assists, Josh Jackson 14 points 8-0 run, with 3-pointers by points for a win in the final the win. and Isaiah Stewart - in his Grant and Saddiq Bey, who round of the two-day event. However, with Mohamed third start of the season - 12 tied the franchise record for Three-time Qatar Nation- Jassim Al Kuwari’s Auf Al points, six rebounds and four 3-pointers in a season. After al Arabian Peninsula Horse Shaqab receiving points from blocks for the Pistons (15-35). a lay-in by Saben Lee, the Pis- Show champion Mountasser all the judges for either run- In the first quarter, the Pis- tons led, 66-51, and the Thun- Laffan, owned by Jassim ner up or third place nomina- tons got going with a 17-0 run, der rallied with six straight Kayed Al Muhannadi, third tions, the grey colt won with 16 with 10 of those points from points by Maledon. behind Nabeel AL Rayyan points. Grant. Jackson started the run The Pistons pushed the in Class 11, won silver with Jathab Arabians’ Laheeb with a 3-pointer but left short- lead to 93-77 entering the 9 points. Jathab won silver with 14 ly thereafter because he picked fourth quarter and had the Abdulla Saed Al Hajri’s points, while Al Salleh Al- up his second foul. game well in hand. Masrour Al Waab and Jabor marri’s Hadban Al Furat took Nasser Sultan Tawar Al Ku- bronze with 12 points. Win- wari’s Sultan Al Rayyan were ners of the round were award- both locked at 6 points in the ed by Rashid Al Kaabi, Al Srai- championship round. ya Stud Owner. However, the former’s bet- Earlier on Tuesday, Class ter class score when he topped 7B for 4-6yo Mares was qualifying Class 10 for 4-6yo Nasser Abdulla Al Mansouri’s Dhuha Al Waab won the Yearling Fillies Championship gold with 21 points, topped by Nasser Abdulla Stallions earlier in the day, including four nominations for the victory. Al Mansouri’s Haouayel Al slotted him for bronze ahead Shaqab with 93.10 points, of Sultan Al Rayyan. Ahmed saw the grey mare, also topper In the day’s first champi- by Saad Ali Al Kubaisi, Deputy while Mohamed Jassim Al Ku- Salem Al Ali, Director of Pro- of Class 8 for 7-10yo, take the onship round, Nasser Abdulla Head of QREC Arabian Horse wari’s Asmaa Juhayna (92.50) grams of Daam, crowned the win in the medal round. Al Mansouri’s Dhuha Al Waab Show Section. and Nema Al Waab (92.40) winners of the round. Class 8 runner up, Al won the Yearling Fillies Cham- Ebrahim Bin Yousef Al Ro- finished second and third re- Gold champion at the Hazm Stud’s Al Johara Al pionship gold with 21 points, maihi’s Mutbahi Al Waab was spectively. 23rd Qatar National Ara- Waab, finished runner up in including four nominations the gold winner in the Year- In Class 9 for 11+yo Mares, bian Horse Show in January the championship round too, for the victory. ling Colts Championship after Abdulla Salem Al Hajri’s Sa- 2021, Al Nawasi Stud’s Safira with winner of Class 7A for Al Sraiya Stud’s May- a near-unanimous decision lomeh took the victory with Al Dohul added yet another 4-6yo Mares from earlier in hoola Alsraiya took silver among the seven judges, with 92.60 points, while Mo- championship gold to her the day, Abdulla Saed Moham- with 15 points, while Ghanim six of them adjudging the grey hammed Hamad Alkaabi’s resume winning the Senior med Al Hajri’s Shahrazad tak- Mohammed Al Khayareen’s colt for the win. Magidaas Prevue RCA (91.10) Mares Championship. ing bronze. HE Sheikh Nawaf Shaikha Alshwa won bronze Nasser Abdulla Al Man- and Al Nawasi Stud’s DHS Ai- With 16 points, including Bin Nasser Al Thani crowned with 9 points. Winners of the souri’s Egaab Al Ahazm won sha (90.60) finished second three nominations for gold, the winners of the round. championship were awarded the silver with 10 points, in and third respectively. Mason Plumlee of the Detroit Pistons. (Getty Images/AFP) Wednesday, April 7, 2021 15 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email [email protected] or L N Mallick Pakistan Prism L N Mallick call (974) 4000 2222 L N Mallick

Director at Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and Environment Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar HE Zamshari Shaharan Pakistan Ambassador to Qatar HE Syed Ahsan Raza Shah visits the expo. Mohammed Ali Al Khouri visits the Pakistan Pavilion. Pakistan Pavilion draws a large number of visitors at 8th edition of AgriteQ Pakistan has been a regular participant at AgriteQ. Usually 10 to 20 exhibitors from the country participated in the previous editions of the exhibition under the auspices of the vibrant Trade and Investment Wing of the Embassy of Pakistan and supported by Pakistan Business and Professionals Council, Qatar

he Pakistan Pa- basmati rice from the plains of vilion at the 8th Punjab that are fed with fresh edition of AgriteQ water from the rivers flowing (Qatar’s Inter- down from the Himalayas. national Agricul- The project is aimed at intro- Ttural Exhibition) held at Doha ducing the splendid taste and Exhibition and Convention the wonderful aroma of high Centre (DECC) recently at- quality and authentic GMO- tracted a large number of visi- free basmati rice from Paki- tors, customers and trading stan for the Qatari consumers, companies. which is usually exported to Pakistan has been a regu- North America and Western lar participant at AgriteQ and Europe,” remarked Ali. usually 10 to 20 exhibitors Pakistan Ambassador to from Pakistan have participat- Qatar HE Syed Ahsan Raza ed in the previous editions of Shah along with Trade and In- this exhibition. The participa- vestment Attaché Salman Ali tion has been carried out un- visited the Pakistan Pavilion der the auspices of the vibrant Pakistan ambassador accompanied by Trade and Investment Attaché Salman Ali visits the Pakistan Pavilion. and appreciated the efforts of Trade and Investment Wing of all concerned. the Embassy of Pakistan and Ambassador of Portugal supported by Pakistan Busi- HE Antonio Jose Alves de ness and Professionals Coun- Carvalho and Ambassador of cil, Qatar. Malaysia HE Zamshari Sha- On this occasion, however, haran also visited the Pakistan exhibitors from Pakistan could Pavilion and praised the high not travel to Doha because of quality of Pakistani products. the COVID-19 related travel Director at Qatar’s Min- restrictions. istry of Municipality and En- With a view to ensuring vironment Mohammed Ali Al maximum benefit for Paki- Khouri also visited the Paki- stan’s participation in the ex- stan Pavilion and personally hibition, a preparatory meet- met with all the exhibitors. He ing was held online with the was delighted to see the wide participation of the Pakistan “During the meeting it Pakistan and Messrs Sun- ing blended tea from Tapal, range and diversity of Paki- Embassy and the Pak-Qatar was agreed that companies der Trading and Messrs Al- Himalayan Pink Salt, Pehal- stani products and thanked Business Council of the Fed- that could not participate Muta’aly Trading from Qatar waan Rewri and Rewari So- Pakistan for its robust partici- eration of Pakistan Chambers physically would send their participated in AgriteQ under han Halwa from Multan were pation. of Commerce and Industry brochures to the Pakistan em- the Pakistan Pavilion. available for sampling. The visitors were once (FPCCI) on March 13. The bassy and companies with ex- Product information and Agricorp introduced two again introduced to the high meeting was also attended by isting local distributors would samples from renowned Pa- rice brands from Pakistan quality of Pakistani products the business community in participate through their local kistani brands including Ta- -- ‘Elaan’ and ‘Kashmir Hills’ that are halal compliant. Pakistan. Also present were distributors to enhance their pal, Qarshi, Menu, Simply the -- at the Pakistani Pavilion. “Pakistan’s free market FPCCI President Nasser Hyatt brand value in Qatar,” said Great Food Honey, fruits and These are expected to hit the economy and geographical Maggo, Vice President Athar Ali. vegetables information from supermarket shelves in Qa- proximity with Qatar, with a Sultan Chawla, Pak-Qatar Following the meeting, HAC Agri, and Seafood infor- tar before the holy month of transit shipment time of only Business Council Chairman different companies including mation from Inter-Fret Con- Ramadan. “This venture is a three-four days by sea, makes Mehmood Arshad and Trade Messrs Agricorp, Messrs HAC solidators were on display. direct result of private Qatari Pakistan an ideal partner for and Investment Attaché at the Agri and Messrs Inter-Fret Exotic products like herbal investment in Pakistan and is Qatar’s food security,” added Pakistan Embassy Salman Ali. Consolidators (Pvt) Ltd from items from Qarshi, includ- set to introduce high quality Ali.

Punjab Music Group organises colourful event to mark Pakistan Day

unjab Music Group (PMG) recently organ- Pised a colourful event to mark Pakistan Day. Khalid Nazir and Naeem Shah Gelani attended the event as special guests. Congratulating his com- patriots on the auspicious occasion, PMG chief organ- iser Nazakat Ali Khan said the forum always celebrates the National Days of Qatar and Pakistan with great en- thusiasm. Speaking on the occa- sion, Shahid Rasheed paid rich tributes to Pakistan’s national poet Dr Allama Mo- hammed Iqbal for presenting dream. that ultimately led to the cre- Ahmed and Nazakat Ali Khan a cake cutting ceremony. the group started its activi- perform. Later, the group the idea of a separate home- “Pakistan Day is celebrat- ation of Pakistan on August regaled the audience with na- Nazakat Ali Khan estab- ties by organising concerts decided to broaden its hori- land for Muslims of the sub- ed on March 23 in remem- 14, 1947,” said Rasheed. tional and patriotic songs on lished PMG with the help of at various locations in which zon and started inviting re- continent, and Mohammad brance of the historic 1940 Ustad Akbar Khan, Arif the occasion. a group of like-minded peo- local artistes from different nowned artistes from differ- Ali Jinnah for realising his Resolution passed at Lahore Khan, Hasan Shah, Taukeer The event concluded with ple a decade ago. Initially, nationalities were invited to ent countries. 16 Wednesday, April 7, 2021 The Last Word QNTC outlines achievements and way forward at annual staff meeting Tribune News Network ing QNTC employees, as well Doha as those who have spent over fiveyears, more than 10 years Qatar National Tourism and more than 15 years con- Council (QNTC) held its an- tributing in the development nual staff meeting at the of the tourism sector. drive-in cinema in Lusail. He said, “I am delighted The event included an to honour our long-serving overview of the entity’s employees, who are an im- achievements over the past portant asset for the tourism year. Despite the challenges sector, their experiences will brought about by the suspen- help us achieve our plans, sion of travel and tourism and combined with the com- globally, QNTC adapted, fo- petencies of our new joiners, cusing on building its digital we will be able to enhance marketing capabilities and Qatar’s position as a global engaging stakeholders – both tourist destination, offering external and internal – in ca- service excellence and prod- pacity building initiatives. ucts that lead the competi- Qatar National Tour- and promoting Qatar’s hid- QNTC’s plans and strategic of the virus, particularly the programme, carried out in Other notable occurrenc- tion in the region.” ism Council Secretary- den gems. goals for the next few years. hospitality sector, which ena- collaboration with the Minis- es included the launch of the The meeting was innova- General and Qatar Airways Speaking at the meet- This townhall is also an op- bled citizens and residents to try of Public Health (MoPH). ‘Qatar Calendar of Events’ tively organised at the drive- Group Chief Executive Ak- ing, Berthold Trenkel, chief portunity to emphasise the return to Qatar by providing With a push towards and the 17th edition of ‘Heya in cinema, in line with the bar Al Baker highlighted the operation officer at Qatar importance of achieving ex- quarantine facilities. digital, QNTC has been re- Arabian Fashion Exhibi- hygiene and safety guidelines achievements of the Qatari National Tourism Council cellence and quality in all our He also praised the role developing the international tion’, which was successfully put forth by MoPH, such as tourism industry and its as- (QNTC), said: “We are eager operations.” of the council’s employees in visitor website and its part- organised under stringent checking the Ehteraz appli- pirations to contribute signif- to use all communication Trenkel praised the efforts the Crisis Committee and the nership with Vodafone will precautionary measures in cation and measuring attend- icantly to national economy. channels to stay close to our of the council’s employees, as National Command Center. allow it to harness big data line with the hygiene and ees’ body temperature, as He stressed the impor- employees and this annual well as tourism sector stake- The Townhall spotlighted and advanced analytics to ac- safety guidelines put forth by well as maintaining physical tance of each employee’s role meeting is one of those ways holders who collaborated in QNTC’s accomplishments celerate Qatar’s goal of being MoPH. distancing. Employees were in boosting Qatar’s reputa- allowing us to exchange ide- supporting Qatar’s efforts in over the past year, such as a world-class tourist destina- Trenkel also distributed also able to benefit from a va- tion as a tourism destination as, create dialogue and share halting local transmission the launch of ‘Qatar Clean’ tion. awards honouring outstand- riety of entertainment offers. QF Doha Debates turns to films Qatar team reaches final round of 5th Int’l Schools to help solve global challenges Debating Championship Tribune News Network ticipants, including lawyers, elected Doha officials, academics and activists. Students, educators, filmmak- Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates ers and film industry professionals and the US-based Points North In- will also be invited to contribute to stitute are teaming up to launch So- the conversation. These meetings lutions Cinema. will be hosted by award-winning The initiative is designed to filmmaker Marjan Safinia, director foster public dialogue and explore of the PBS series And She Could Be potential solutions to global chal- Next and former board chair at the lenges, helping empower individu- International Documentary Asso- als and communities to shape their ciation. future. Points North Program Direc- Solutions Cinema is a first-of- tor Sean Flynn said, “Social impact its-kind partnership between Doha documentaries have historically Debates and Points North Institute, The inaugural Solutions Cin- Mexican state of Michoacán. spent more time describing social a nonfiction arts organisation best ema programme will be presented Another short film includesT he problems than exploring people’s known for producing the Camden in four parts and will include the Water Queen by South African film- responses to them. International Film Festival, which screening of 12 feature and short maker Lungelo Mdlalose, which “Inspired by the great work Tribune News Network pines and South Africa qualified for the celebrates its 17th edition this Sep- documentary films. draws attention to South Africa’s we’ve seen in solutions journalism, Doha finals of the International Championship tember, as well as several artist de- Selected films have been cu- worsening issue of water scarcity, we want to create a unique com- in the English language. velopment initiatives that support rated to encourage robust conver- with an all-South African cast that munal space online so we can un- The teams of Qatar and Oman qualified The eight teams who competed for nearly 60 projects annually. sations, each highlighting people includes actor Busisiwe Mtshali. pack the ‘theories of change’ behind for the final round of the fifth Interna- the open category in the semi-finals were Kicking off this month with a who are addressing injustice and Another documentary, The documentary films and explore how tional Schools Debating Championship in Libya, Kuwait, Singapore, Qatar, Sudan, month-long series of free virtual inequity using the tools of commu- Invisibles, directed by Italian film- they might help us imagine and Arabic and English, being organised by the Pakistan, Oman and Tunisia. At the end film screenings and summit-style nity organising, politics, education, makers Carola Mamberto and Di- manifest a brighter future.” QatarDebate Center, in its virtual version of the fourth day of the championship, interactive discussions, Solutions media-making and the law to fight ana Ferrero, offers a rare behind- Film screenings and participa- under the slogan ‘Our Earth, Our Refuge’. it was announced that the Oman and Cinema will bring together a global for a better future. the-scenes look at African migrant tion in the weekly Solutions Cinema The Results Committee announced Qatar’s teams had qualified for the final community dedicated to story-driv- Featured films will include two labourers during the height of the Summit interactive discussions are that the teams qualified for the final round, which would be broadcast on You- en social change. recent Sundance award-winning pandemic in Italy in April 2020. free and open to the public. Advance for the Arabic language and non-native Tube during the championship’s closing Amjad Atallah, managing direc- titles, Homeroom, by acclaimed Interactive discussions will take registration is required and most speakers ceremony. tor of Doha Debates, said: “Doha director Peter Nicks, and Writing place each Thursday in April from featured films have limited virtual In the Arabic category for non-native South Africa qualified for the semi- Debates is delighted to partner with With Fire, the debut feature from 7pm to 8:30pm, Doha time, starting seats available. speakers, Turkey and Malaysia quali- finals - against the Hong Kong team, the Points North Institute to launch Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh. April 8. These summits, which will All films will beavailable to view fied for the final round competition. The and the Sri Lanka team against the Solutions Cinema. This initiative The programme also includes be held on Zoom, will explore story- online for 10-day periods during the teams competed (Turkey proposition, Philippines team in the following issue: will be extraordinary, bringing to- several short films recently pro- driven strategies for social change, month of April. Films will be made Malaysia opposition) in Arabic for non- “This council regrets celebrating mem- gether filmmakers, educators and duced by Doha Debates, including including how filmmakers, film accessible to registered attendees Arabic speakers for the championship bers of marginalized communities who students for thoughtful dialogue Cherán: The Burning Hope, a short protagonists and film audiences can one week prior to the discussions. title in the following issue: “This council have reached positions of authority”. and debate about how to better use documentary by filmmakers Elpida each find agency to address inequity To see the entire list of selected will grant immunity to drug gang mem- Example: “Kamala Harris becoming the medium of film in the pursuit Nikou and Rodrigo Hernández ex- and injustice. films or to register for the Solutions bers in exchange for ceasing violence in Vice President”. The Philippines team of solutions to some of humanity’s ploring how an Indigenous commu- Additionally, each session will Cinema Summit, visit www.Solu- conflict areas.” and the South Africa team qualified for most challenging issues.” nity sparked a social movement in include a number of noteworthy par- tionsCinema.com. Meanwhile, the teams from Philip- the final round. QAD Primary and QLA hoist green flags as they become eco-schools Tribune News Network Doha

Qatar Academy Doha (QAD) Primary and Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA) have been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag by Qatar Green Build- ing Council (QGBC) – making them the first Qatar Foundation schools to be recognised by the initiative. As part of the Eco-School programme, schools are re- quired to complete seven steps before applying for the award, which include: Form an Eco Committee; Carry out a Sustain- changing outlooks and atti- power students and this in- The award is a two-year pro- “Even with the increased end. It is a celebration. It’s excit- Council. It is the result of a lot of ability Audit; Action Plan; Mon- tudes is vital in order to create cludes student leadership. Fea- cess and while COVID-19 has use of plastic, the children have ing to get our green flag, which hard work from our students and itor and Evaluate; Curriculum impactful change and to drive turing four branches – Student created challenges, it has forced stayed firm to their passion and we wave with pride. But the teachers, who are striving to high- Work; Inform and Involve; and long-lasting change within the Council, House Captains, Eco- the children to become more belief, and I am proud of them.” mission continues. This award light the importance of environ- Produce an Eco Code. school’s community. Warriors and Activists in Action creative, which has led to even All QF schools are undergo- is a stepping stone and that’s mental sustainability and water Elizabeth Kennedy, well-be- “Activities are locked in time – the system has sustainability more collaborative opportuni- ing the process of Eco-Schools something that we’ve been very conservation, as well as mitigate ing facilitator at Qatar Academy and space,” she explained. “Day- weaved into its fabric. ties. Green Flag accreditation and clear with the children. It is an climate change. To achieve this, Doha (QAD) Primary, which to-day living is where we will “These children can lead to- “Online meetings have be- are on course to achieve this by amazing accomplishment, but we have embedded these princi- is part of Qatar Foundation’s have sustained change. And that day if we empower their voice come a regular occurrence,” 2022. now we are pushing further. ples within all our programmes (QF) Pre-University Education is what we are really focused on. and give them the agency to said Kennedy. “The children As one of the first QF schools “We have to grow as a school across the curriculum at Qatar (PUE), said: “We took a holistic Yes, we have activities at school, share their passion and foster are learning how to use Canvas to receive the award, Kennedy to nurture opportunities, to dig Leadership Academy.” approach to what it really meant and yes, we participate in Qatar that growth,” said Kennedy. “We and different animators to make said it serves as an opportunity deeper and demonstrate greater Ruba Hinnawi, QGBC’s to be an eco-school and that Sustainability Week and Earth are not looking at them simply online content for their social to help other schools within the understanding and connection Technical specialist and the lead came right down to our mission Day. But, for us, changing mind- as being future leaders of Qa- media pages. They have become PUE ecosystem. She said, “We with the environment. This isn’t on the Eco-School Programme, and vision – to really under- sets and cultivating a lifestyle tar; they are leaders right now. very skilled in this area. They’ve are so proud of our students and an end point, there is still a lot said: “We are proud to see QAD stand who we are and what we approach is where we have had They have a voice and they have done online interviews with our parent community, and all we want to accomplish.” Primary and Qatar Leader- do.” the biggest impact.” a passion. Our job as educators Greener Future and they have the support that they’ve given us. Jameel Al Shammari, QLA ship Academy receive their first QAD Primary’s tagline is An important component is to foster that and make sure also carried out beach clean-ups We need to work together as sis- director, said: “We are proud to Green Flags and join the global ‘cultivating a sustainable mind- of the award for QAD Primary that these rich opportunities are with Doha Environmental Ac- ter schools to inspire each other. receive the Eco-School Green network of more than 50,000 set’ as, according to Kennedy, is empowering teachers to em- available for the children.” tions Project. “This accreditation is not the Flag from Qatar Green Building schools.